the lsu board of supervisors approved bertman's three-year contract extension. bertman's new extension, which was approved without discussion, called for him to be paid $425,000 annually beginning july 1, 2007, and ending june 30, 2010. bertman, who served as athletic director since leaving his coaching position after the 2001 baseball season, stepped down in 2008 to become athletic director emeritus as dictated by his contract. as athletic director emeritus, bertman's role primarily involves fundraising.