UT athletics chief photographer on paid leave during state investigation

The chief photographer in the University of Tennessee Athletics Department was being paid by other schools to get photos of non-UT athletes while using UT equipment during work hours, according to a report from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. 

The photographer was not named in the report but a source close to the situation confirmed it is Donald Page, the chief photographer for UT athletics.

The report released Thursday said Page was also using UT student assistants and some non-students to photograph the non-UT athletes, and paying the assistants in cash. 

The state comptroller's office reviewed records from Feb. 2014 through June 2017 and found that during that time Page received at least $9,240 from other colleges, universities and athletic organizations while working for UT.

He has been on paid administrative leave since June 15. 

The report also found that Page had completed more than $6,000 worth of additional work for other colleges and universities while not on the clock for UT. 

The comptroller's office wasn't able to determine if UT equipment was used for the outside work but said Page did use UT phones and email to solicit and arrange the assignments.

The report did not say whether his actions violated any specific UT policy but said at a minimum they "resulted in a waste and/or abuse of taxpayer funds." 

"Athletics is aware of the state’s report and cooperated fully throughout the process," said UT Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Tom Satkowiak in an email. "Over the past several months, we have made a concerted effort to educate our staff — through multiple channels — on the importance of respecting and adhering to the conflict of interest guidelines set forth by the university." 

He said the university had been awaiting the state's report before making a decision regarding employment.

Page did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday night.

He has been the assistant director of digital media for the University of Tennessee Athletics Department since 2012 and serves as the chief photographer for UT’s 18 varsity sports, according to his personal website.

According to the UT salary database, he currently earns a salary of $56,661.