Loyola Fires Former Texas Tech Basketball Star Sheryl Swoopes
Loyola University Chicago has fired Sheryl Swoopes as the head of the school's women's basketball program.
The firing follows months of controversy during Swoopes' tenure as Loyola's women's basketball coach. According to Sports Illustrated, Loyola fired the women's basketball legend after concluding an investigation into allegations that she mistreated her players.
Loyola Athletic Director Steve Watson issued a terse statement thanking Swoopes for her time with the school's women's basketball team and confirming she was no longer the basketball coach. But few other details have come out about the investigation's findings.
A statement released to the press by Swoopes' agent read:
It's my hope that the student-athletes will be provided a full explanation of what has unfolded. As students, they deserve truth and transparency. All I can say at this point is that I do feel vindicated. I was 100 percent pleased with what I thought clearly supported all I've ever tried to provide as a coach, an employee and the woman of character my mother has raised.
Swoopes played basketball at Texas Tech University and in 1993 led the Lady Raiders to an NCAA women's basketball championship. She set several school records during her career at the school. The Brownfield native went on to become the first-ever WNBA signee and win three Olympics gold medals.