Magic Johnson congratulates Verge Ausberry on history-making hiring
Lately, the LSU football program has been on a bumpy ride. First, there was the firing of head coach Brian Kelly. At the same time, their Athletic Director, Scott Woodward, stepped away from the hiring process for a new coach. However, one key position has been filled.
Earlier this week, LSU officially hired Verge Ausberry as its new full-time Athletic Director. Ausberry recently served as the interim AD and is a former LSU linebacker who had previously worked in the athletic department. In the process, Ausberry became the first Black Athletic Director in LSU history— a milestone celebrated by none other than Magic Johnson.
On social media, Johnson congratulated Ausberry, posting: “I want to congratulate Verge Ausberry on becoming the first Black Athletics Director in LSU history!” His hiring marks a turning point, putting the clamps on a chaotic period at LSU following the firing of Kelly and the departure of Woodward.
The situation grew so tense that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R) even got involved, expressing his desire to fire Woodward amid the turmoil. Currently, LSU stands at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the SEC.
During his two decades at LSU, Ausberry has worked in a variety of roles, including alumni relations, sports medicine, and fundraising. His deep roots in the program make him a fitting choice to lead LSU athletics moving forward.
Magic Johnson maintains a continued connection to LSU as well. Although he is famously loyal to his alma mater, Michigan State, Johnson often gives LSU shoutouts. In 2016, he praised then-Tigers freshman standout Ben Simmons before Simmons became an NBA star. At the time, Johnson called Simmons the “best all-around player I’ve seen since LeBron James out of high school straight to the NBA.”
More recently, in 2023, Johnson congratulated the LSU women’s basketball team on winning the national championship over Iowa, showcasing his ongoing support for LSU athletics.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-sports/lsu-news-magic-johnson-verge-ausberry-history-hiring
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