MINNEAPOLIS — The search firm that recommended hiring Norwood Teague as University of Minnesota’s athletic director in 2012 is deflecting criticism over its vetting process.

Teague resigned Aug. 7 and acknowledged sexually harassing two administrators at a university leadership event last month. University officials say additional complaints about Teague have been made since then.

University President Eric Kaler recently criticized Parker Executive Search for missing a gender discrimination complaint against Teague at his previous employer, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Parker attorney Richard Robbins said the discrimination complaint in Virginia was filed after the University of Minnesota announced Teague’s selection. Robbins said there’s no indication that the complaint would have disqualified Teague had the University of Minnesota known about it earlier.