Dave Bliss resigns from job at Southwestern Christian following documentary
Dave Bliss resigned on Monday from his job as head coach at Southwestern Christian University, the school announced in a statement.
The school posted an article on its website about the matter, saying they accepted Bliss’ resignation.
“I accepted Coach Bliss’ resignation earlier today and our prayers and wishes are with him as he transitions,” school president Dr. Reggies Wenyika said. “I have tasked a committee with commencing an immediate search and making a final recommendation for a new head coach to the Athletic Director and me.
“As president, I would like to reiterate the University’s commitment to ensuring the success of our student athletes on and off the field or court and look forward to the next participation season with new leadership in our men’s basketball program.”
Coaching at SCU was Bliss’ first college coaching job since being hit with a 10-year show cause penalty by the NCAA for his scandal at Baylor that involved the death of one of his players.
Patrick Dennehy was murdered in 20013 by his teammate, Carlton Dotson, who is currently in prison. Bliss was caught on a recording trying to tell his players and coaches to say that Dennehy was a drug dealer. That was part of Bliss’ attempt to cover up illegal payments he made to cover Dennehy’s tuition. The drug dealing claims were never proved.
Still, in a documentary “Disgraced” recently aired by Showtime, Bliss repeated his claims.
“They thought [Dennehy] paid for his scholarship because he was selling drugs because you know – this is off camera – he was selling drugs,” Bliss said.
“I don’t want to be absolved from anything. The only reason I said it on the documentary, it’s been 15 years. The story needs to be told accurately. “I’ve got no reason not to tell the truth.”
Bliss had been coaching Southwestern Christian since 2015.