Read Arizona football's 'Hideaway Book': Ex-coach Rich Rod just released a copy

Attorneys for ex-Arizona head football coach Rich Rodriguez have released a copy of his "Hideaway Book" — they say to refute claims made by an an ex-assistant that he cultivated an atmosphere of secrecy.

His ex-employee, Melissa Wilhemsen, said in her sexual-harassment claim filed against him late last year that the goal of the "Hideaway Book" was to "establish secrecy within Rodriguez's inner circle and establish complete control of the group."

But attorneys for Rodriguez contend the book, given out annually to coaches and football operations staff, simply spelled out objectives, football strategies and expectations for staff and student athletes.

Rodriguez in a legal response filed Monday accused Wilhelmsen of fabricating a tale of sexual harassment solely to extort $7.5 million.

His attorneys said the book takes its name from when Rodriguez would convene a pre-season retreat — which he initially called a "hideaway" — to go over details of the football program.

READ THE BOOK: University of Arizona football's 2015 Hideaway Book

Look sharp

A 2015 copy of the "Hideaway Book" attached to the legal response gives staff and athletes advice on everything from game-day strategies to how to dress and behave.

Rodriguez tells them they must look sharp on and off the field. Never wear another school's attire while in public.

"Wear as much Arizona attire as possible." he instructs

He also reminded staff: "don't embarass (sic) program or fellow coaches with drunkenness, DUI, embarrassing actions in public, etc."

He tells staff that it's "good to be involved in church (voluntary, but it does set a good example for our players."

MORE: Former Arizona football coach Rich Rodriguez says ex-employee tried to extort $7.5M from him

Keep secrets in-house

Rodriguez also tells staff that no secrets are to go out of the office.

"Be careful what you tell your wives," he writes. "Tell our players to stay in house as well."

He dispenses advice for dealing with the media, reminding them to always be complimentary of teammates and opponents.

"Nothing is off the record," he tells them.

Live by the Golden Rule

The book contains what he calls "Golden Rules" for players, such as "Represent the program the right way — humble and hungry — in the way you act and the way you talk."

He tells recruiters to: "ALWAYS BE HONEST! I will not back you in cheating! We are in a business for a lifetime. If something is 'iffy' you must run it by me."

The book also contains quaint, and somewhat dated, advice under "expectations for staff:"

"Be careful of profane language around the office, secretaries and public," he writes.

He also instructed staff that wives often set their temperament and focus, calling them "one of the most important assets to a coach."

"Educate her and control her talk. She must understand our program, jobs, town and state."

And if you worked or played for Rodriguez, you better synchronize your watch with his.

"The official time is on Coach Rod's wrist," he writes.

Reach the reporter at 602-444-8072 or anne.ryman@arizonarepublic.com.

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