Hassenfeld to Institute's Doyle: 'Why?'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Alan Hassenfeld acknowledges it’s been painful to see the investigation into the Institute for International Sport put at least a temporary end to the World Scholar Athlete Games.

“I can’t tell you how much it hurts,” the world renowned philanthropist and businessman said in a sit-down interview with Target 12. “The games were a catalyst for good change.”

Rhode Island State Police launched an investigation in February after a state audit showed the I.I.S. could not account for two-thirds of a $575,000 state legislative grant . The grant is one of several that Dan Doyle’s non-profit received from the General Assembly since 1988. Altogether, the grants add up to $7.3 million in taxpayer money.

Hassenfeld, the former CEO of Hasbro Inc., is one of the philanthropists who wonder where millions of dollars in additional donations went.  

• Watch: Web Extra: Hassenfeld on Troubled Institute

“I think Dan Doyle had a dream, had a vision,” Hassenfeld said.  “He executed it. And then something went wrong. I don't know what went wrong.”

But while Hassenfeld gives credit to Doyle's dream and vision, he’s quick to point out where his own dreams and visions are focused.

“I don’t care about the Institute for International Sport. I do care about the World Scholar Athlete Games,” he said in a stern voice, a stark contrast to his mild-mannered demeanor. “All of a sudden, it's shut down. And you know it's one of the best programs. It hurts.”

Hassenfeld did point out that there were concerns before the investigation began about the growth of the games.

“Whether it was because of visa problems or poor organization or whatever, the numbers were only 10 percent of what we were told they were going to be, and there were other things that happened.”

He talked only briefly about the money he donated, saying he "would not cry over spilled milk" and that the money was "not wasted". But he also said it was toward "the end" when the money was not spent where supporters thought it should be spent.

“We wanted to take the 100 best ideas from these scholar athletes,” he said. “A midnight basketball league somewhere overseas or maybe in Providence. Maybe give these young people $2,500 to get started.”

State Police tell Target 12 that their investigation is moving forward, but Col. Steven O’Donnell is not offering a timetable for the findings.

We're told the focus remains on tracking the money trail to and from the Institute. The organization's 2009 annual report to the state is one of thousands of papers examined by detectives. The document names Hassenfeld as the non-profit's president, which he says he wasn't. Hassenfeld has acknowledged that his purported signature on the report is a forgery.

“There are things I can say and things I can't say because of the Grand Jury that is examining this,” he said, right before answering the question of what he might say to Doyle.

He paused before offering a one word reply.

“Why?”

Hassenfeld wants the games to continue someday and tells us he's been approached to help do just that.

“I can’t tell you who asked,” he said with a smile.

But he added that it will not happen until the investigation is over and even then, Hassenfeld is concerned.

“Whatever the legal decisions, good bad or indifferent. How much will they put on the games. Because again, the fat lady hasn't sung yet.”

Target 12 reached out to Doyle but received only a short response from an Institute spokesperson.

"Mr. Doyle has no comment at this time," Liz White said.

Send news tips to Target 12 Investigator Walt Buteau at wbuteau@wpri.com and follow Walt on Twitter: @wbuteau