Sandy Hook conspiracy, crisis actors: The story behind FAU professor's Newtown shooting comments

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Tied to tragedy. That's where Florida Atlantic University finds itself after professor James Tracy questioned the Sandy Hook massacre in a personal blog.

"He spoke as a private citizen, on his own time, not as a representative of the university," says FAU President Mary Jane Saunders. "I am very upset that anything that's happened has caused additional pain to Newtown and the families of the victims."

NewsChannel 5 caught up with Tracy this week to clarify what he wrote.

"I said that there may very well be elements of that event that are synthetic to some degree, that are somewhat contrived. I think that overall, the media really did drop the ball. I don't think that the media have gotten to the bottom of some of the things that may have taken place there," Tracy said.

Tracy's words have people from across the country, including a Newtown city official, calling for his dismissal.

"I don't speak about personnel matters. What we want to convey is the University and myself extend our deepest sympathy to all the families and the entire community," says Dr. Saunders.

NewsChannel 5 got ahold of the FAU faculty handbook which states an employee could be terminated for questionable conduct, professional or personal.

"It's very unfortunate that the actions of a private citizen were coupled with FAU on something that is such a tragedy and deeply felt by so many people," says Dr. Saunders.