Rumors of BISD's Rodriguez's release untrue

Joe Rodriguez is not going anywhere. In fact, expect to see him at his familiar spot along the sidelines of Sams Stadium on Friday nights. Amidst rumors of his demise by various sources and word of mouth around town Rodriguez told The Herald Thursday night that he is still the Brownsville ISD Athletic Di-rector.

Wild speculations of a buyout, suspension or firing of Rodriguez has been swirling for the past two months.

"That's absolutely not true, there's absolutely no truth to that at all," Rodriguez said. "I've got every-thing set up for next week, and I'll be there (Sams Stadium) Friday night (Sharyland vs. Hanna football on Aug. 29)."

BISD Public Information Director Drue Brown substantiated Rodriguez's claim that no actions had been taken against him.

"Joe Rodriguez remains the Brownsville Independent School District Athletic Director," Brown said on Friday. "In answering your question, no sanctions of any kind have been levied against Mr. Rodriguez. His position with BISD remains the same."

When asked if he has had to change offices at Sams or if he was asked to stay away from Sams alto-gether Rodriguez laughed and replied that those rumors were totally false.

In fact, the Brownsville icon's biggest problem is that he recently had a blood vessel burst in his left eye requiring extensive surgery and recuperation time. All-in-all Rodriguez is ready for the start of another school season, one that could be his last.

In a story that ran on Aug. 6 in The Herald sportswriter Louie Vera reported that Rodriguez's name was in the BISD board agenda. The agenda called for the board to read in open forum and dictate any "possible action regarding the evaluation and duties of the athletic director," but nothing was mentioned at the meeting.

It was also reported by The Herald that Rodriguez was mired in a controversy regarding former base-ball coach Frank Webb who was "relieved of his coaching duties," on May 6.

Both of these events along with his ailment contributed to the snowballing effect of the public expect-ing to hear the axe drop on the Rodriguez era at BISD. Love him or hate him, he remains a lightning rod in Brownsville.

Rodriguez plans to go out on his own terms though, in his own way regardless of what anyone thinks. He plans to fulfill a commitment he made three years ago to the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association.

"I'm looking to ride off into the sunset and pass the torch," he said. "I have a big commitment to host the athletic department convention in March and then I am out of here."

Sports reporter Louie Vera contributed to this story