Thank you for the reply.
As to whether this story was overblown is a dangerous argument when talking about health conditions....A slippery slope of sorts. Both in terms of express liability by the UO athletic dept., and just an overall mess from a management perspective. Really? This guy "replaces" Coach Rad (a leader in his field) and he is suspended without pay his first month on the job, and then Mullens comes out and restructures the arrangement????
I believe that traveling Eugene and Springfield with a police escort to visit high schools is a gimmick. This was nothing more than a photo opportunity and a press release.  
Furthermore, to come out and state that you will meet with the former staff (see press con and then not do anything of the sort. I'm not sure if this is a gimmick or a lie, or just not being a man of your word....I'm not sure, but it doesn't smell good.