CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — UNC is responding to serious allegations made about women's head basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell and the women's basketball program.
Hatchell and three assistants are on paid administrative leave during a review of the program.
According to the Washington Post, Hatchell is accused of making racially insensitive comments to players, and pressuring players to play when they were hurt.
Thursday, UNC Spokesperson Steve Kirschner released a statement saying, "As we announced on Monday, we have a review underway to assess the culture of our women's basketball program and the experience of our student-athletes. We will have no further comment until the review is complete and we have all the facts. Carolina is committed to the well-being of our student-athletes and to ensuring that they have the best experience possible and in and outside of competition."
We reached out for comment from the attorneys representing Coach Hatchell. We still have not heard back, but we will continue to reach out to them.
Hatchell and her staff were put on paid administrative leave on Monday.
The university said it is hiring a private firm out of Charlotte to look into the culture of the program, but did not give a timetable for its completion.
Hatchell released a statement to her attorney on Monday. It reads in part, "I love each and every one of the players I've coached and would do anything to encourage and support them. They are like family to me. I love them all. Of course, I will cooperate fully in this review. I look forward to a prompt conclusion of this matter and the continuation of our very successful women's basketball program."
