St. Bonaventure AD Resigns Amid NIT Opt-Out Controversy

Joe Manhertz steps down after decision to not compete in NIT, made without player consultation, sparks backlash.

St. Bonaventure athletic director Joe Manhertz resigned following a controversial decision to opt out of the NIT, citing travel logistics, injuries, and uncertainty with the transfer portal.
The decision to opt out was made by athletic department officials and the coaching staff without informing the players, leading to backlash from fans and alumni.
Manhertz, who was hired in August 2021, had previously worked in athletic departments at Duke, Ohio State, Hamilton College, and Syracuse.
The university has not disclosed a specific reason for Manhertz's resignation but plans to name an interim athletic director early next week and begin the search for a permanent replacement in April.
The controversy has sparked a firestorm among St. Bonaventure's fan base, alumni base, and donor base, with Manhertz acknowledging the importance of the NIT to alumni and the need to involve players in decision-making processes.