N.C. Central University has fired head football coach Henry Frazier III, who was arrested Monday and charged with violating a domestic violence protective order.
“Henry Frazier III’s contract was terminated effective today,” NCCU athletics director Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree said Thursday. “The university wants to thank coach Frazier for nearly three years of service to NCCU.”
Frazier was initially suspended with full pay, but since his contract was terminated, he will not be entitled to any additional severance or a buyout of the remaining $450,000 for the two years left on his contract, according to the school.
The domestic violence protection order stated Frazier was not to have any contact with his ex-wife, including by phone, email and paper. Frazier’s lawyer has said the arrest was the result of a misunderstanding and that his client was trying to get a note to his ex-wife saying he would pay for a ticket on their car.
This was the second arrest for Frazier. He was suspended in May 2012 for assault on a female, but was reinstated in July 2012.
“We’ve considered all the issues and the events that have occurred over the last 18 months,” Wicker-McCree said. “Any time there’s a disruption in leadership of any program, there’s going to be fallout. … We are going to be here as coaches and staff to help (student-athletes) during this time.”
Assistant head coach Dwayne Foster, who has been the acting head coach during Frazier’s suspension, will serve as the interim coach.
“I have full confidence in Coach Foster and his abilities,” Wicker-McCree said Thursday.
Foster joined NCCU in 2011 as assistant head coach, recruiting coordinator and offensive line coach. Previously, he served as running backs coach at Prairie View A&M University, offensive line coach at Bowie State University and tight ends and running backs coach at Catholic University.
“I want to make things clear that this isn’t about me,” Foster said, “It’s about the program and the coaching staff. … We now have to move forward with our plan and we have several student-athletes that will be looking for us to stick to that plan.”
Frazier turned around an NCCU program that was 2-9 and 10th in the MEAC in 2011, his first season. After finishing 6-5 and fourth in the conference last season, NCCU was picked to finish fourth in the 2013 MEAC preseason rankings.
Foster will lead the Eagles in their opener against Duke on Aug. 31. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.
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