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USF Professor accused of stealing bicycle stepping down

Reported by: Jeremy Ryan
Email: jryan@wfts.com
Last Update: 2/18/2009 3:28 pm
Video Click the play button on the video window to the see the story

TAMPA, FL -- The University of South Florida professor that was caught on tape taking a student's bicycle will step down.

ABC Action News has learned that Dr. Abdul Rao, an associate dean of the USF College of Health will resign effective Friday.

As it was first reported last week, Rao admitted to taking the bike belonging to a graduate student in the health department, but claimed he only lent the bike to a handyman who needed transportation.

Rao makes a salary of $384,000 per year overseeing research grants at USF. The bike was worth about $100.

The student who owned the bike claims he was pressured by Rao to drop the matter, but refused to do so.

Rao came to the university in 2006 and at least two professors in the College of Medicine tell ABC Action News that Dr. Rao was widely disliked among the faculty.
Featured Comments
amberduke - 2/24/2009 8:22 PM
Does he have a Robin Hood complex, rob from the rich and give to the poor. Oh wait a minute, he is the rich.
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