Kent State Fires Coach Kenni Burns After Investigation Reveals Six-Figure Loan from Booster

An independent investigation by the Vorys law firm, prompted by a growing list of concerns, found that Burns received loans from Michael Awad, a restaurant owner and Kent State booster. The loans, intended to cover flood damage to Burns' home, totaled $109,000, repaid over 14 months without interest. Simultaneously, Burns faced a lawsuit from Hometown Bank over unpaid credit card debt, a card he opened with Awad's help.

The investigation raised ethical concerns, as the loans could be seen as a state employee receiving benefits from a booster. Burns' attorney, Lee Hutton III, claimed the coach had cleared the relationship with the athletic director. Additionally, an audit revealed questionable expenses on Burns' purchasing card, including a $48.60 bill at Urban Meyer’s Pint House and $2,240 for custom game day shoes.

The university also acknowledged an error in Burns' payment, failing to provide $50,000 in media fees, later corrected with a lump sum. Despite these issues, Hutton maintains that Burns did not receive due process and that the settlement offer was rejected.

He was fired after an investigation revealed he took a six-figure loan from a booster and had questionable expenses on his university purchasing card.

The loans from the booster may have violated state ethics laws preventing state employees from receiving benefits from boosters.

Undocumented baggage fees, personal travel expenses, and an unsubstantiated bill at Urban Meyer's Pint House.

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