FBI Called In Over University Of Hawaii's Canceled Stevie Wonder Concert Debacle

This is one of the stories where we probably don't know a fraction of what's to come, but at the very least, we know that the University of Hawaii has placed its athletic director on "indefinite leave," called in the FBI, and potentially lost some $200,000 over a Stevie Wonder concert that was booked without Stevie Wonder's knowledge or involvement.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has the latest details on this Aloha State bombshell:

UH said it put down a $200,000 deposit from athletic department funds on the planned Aug. 18 concert. The event was to have been a benefit for UH athletics.

It was cancelled Tuesday after UH said it learned that the event was planned without Wonder's knowledge.

The investigation will be done by an experienced, outside party, [UH-Manoa Chancellor Tom] Apple said.

Apple briefed UH coaches and athletic department staffers prior to the press conference.

...

[Athletic director Jim] Donovan announced Tuesday that the planned Aug. 18 benefit concert at the arena was canceled after school officials said the show had been planned without Wonder's knowledge. He said the UH was trying to recover the $200,000 it paid from the athletic fund to book the show. When asked if the UH had been scammed, Donovan said, "I couldn't speculate."

Donovan is now on indefinite leave, as well as Rich Sheriff, the manager of the 10,000-seat arena that was to host the concert. Pending what comes of the FBI's official investigation, this one could get a lot uglier before long.

UH officials put Donovan, Sheriff on indefinite leave of absence [Honolulu Star-Advertiser]