Here is the text of the resignation letter University of Colorado Athletics Director Dick Tharp sent Monday to Provost Phil DiStefano, President Elizabeth Hoffman and CU-Boulder Chancellor Richard Byyny.

Having been informed that the leaders of this university have decided in favor of my departure, I hereby offer to resign and retire early from my position of director of athletics effective Nov. 30, 2004. My offer should not in any way be construed as an admission to having engaged in any activity of wrongdoing. When completely investigated, the record will show that I performed my duties responsibly and in the best interests of the Department of Athletics and the University of Colorado.
Why have I not made this offer earlier? I am fully aware of the fact that various parties have called for my resignation. And yet a mere change in personnel rarely provides a remedy or solution for complex problems. This is especially true when change is conducted purely as an exercise in selecting one party to blame. I remained in my position to seek and implement solutions. In truth, I have found myself increasingly segregated, restricted in my ability to manage, and silenced. This has been the most frustrating experience of my life.
I have learned from years of experience that, at a certain point, the fight over the individual will drain energy from the cause of making the best arrangements for the university's students and programs. In the matter of intercollegiate athletics, we may now have reached that point. In the current state of distrust of a concern over the operations of this university, healing might be better achieved by my resignation.
It is my hope that the citizens of this state will revive their enthusiasm for the talented student athletes and for their flagship university.
Regrettably, the University of Colorado has come to occupy center stage as society questions the role of athletics in universities. This presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to lead the nation in strategies to integrate academics and athletics in a productive and positive way. I hope that the effort to live up to this opportunity will set the course for the university in the next months ahead. This cannot happen without the will to move beyond reacting to circumstances and to make decisions. Solutions to complex problems require a deep understanding of the choices facing us and a clear picture of the goals of the university in hosting a competitive Intercollegiate athletic program. The commitment, to achieving excellence in this and every other program of this wonderful university, cannot waver.
I have been fortunate to have an association with this institution and its dedicated staff and faculty for over 34 years. I will remain grateful for the rewards of being in the company of young people as they strive to learn and succeed.