Dec 3, 2014 2 min read

California University of Pennsylvania hired a Kansas consulting firm to perform an independent review of its football team in wake of an off-campus fight that left a man severely injured and six players charged in his beating.

University interim President Geraldine Jones Wednesday announced the contract with The Compliance Group Inc. of Lenexa, Kan., to review the program and recommend possible changes in the future.

“Cal U. will cooperate fully with TCG’s work and make every effort to expedite the process,” Jones said. “I look forward to receiving the group’s recommendations.”

The school will spend $60,000 to review “a series of events” involving the football team, which should be completed no later than June 30, according to the contract that was extended to TCG Nov. 15 and finalized Wednesday. Jones said acting Provost Bruce Barnhart will work with TCG to provide documents and other assistance upon request.

Six players are charged with the Oct. 30 beating of a West Chester man on Wood Street in California. The victim, Lewis Campbell III, 30, spent eight days at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh with severe brain trauma, but recovered from his injuries.

The players, Corey Ford, 22, of Harrisburg; James Williamson, 20, of Parkville, Md.; Jonathan Barlow, 21, of Pittsburgh; Rodney Gillin, 20, of Reading; D’Andre Dunkley, 19, of Philadelphia; and Shelby Wilkerson, 20, of Harrisburg, were ordered to stand trial in the assault.

According to TCG’s proposal, the review is designed to help Cal U. “create and maintain policies and practices best suited to recruit, retain and graduate student athletes in the football program who understand and embrace the educational opportunities.”

Chuck Smrt, who worked in the NCAA office from 1981 to 1999 investigating major infractions, will lead the investigation for TCG.