Tarleton State Places Men’s Basketball Coach Billy Gillispie on Leave Amid Investigation

Tarleton State University has placed men’s basketball head coach Billy Gillispie on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation. The university announced the decision on Friday, stating that the move was prompted by an anonymous complaint received about Gillispie’s conduct. The university has indicated that it will conduct an employee conduct review, but has not provided additional details regarding the nature of the complaint.

Associate head coach Glynn Cyprien has been appointed as the acting head coach during Gillispie’s absence. The university emphasized that it will not comment further on the matter as the investigation is ongoing.

Billy Gillispie, who is in his sixth season as head coach of the Tarleton State Texans, has an overall record of 78 wins and 74 losses during his tenure with the program. Last season, the team finished with a 12-20 record, including a 7-9 mark within the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

This development comes at a time when Gillispie’s coaching history has been scrutinized due to past allegations of player mistreatment. Gillispie’s coaching career has been marked by controversy, particularly during his time at Texas Tech and Kentucky.

Gillispie served as head coach at Texas Tech from 2003 to 2007 before moving to Kentucky in 2007. His tenure at Texas Tech was relatively successful, but it was also marred by allegations of player mistreatment. These allegations resurfaced during his time at Kentucky, where he coached from 2007 to 2009. Kentucky and Gillispie reached a $3 million settlement related to his firing in 2009, amid accusations of player mistreatment and a toxic coaching environment.

In 2011 and 2012, while coaching Texas Tech again, Gillispie faced further allegations related to player mistreatment. He resigned from Texas Tech in 2012, citing health issues as a reason for stepping down. Despite his coaching experience and success on the court, Gillispie’s reputation has been significantly affected by these past allegations.

The recent investigation at Tarleton State adds a new chapter to Gillispie’s coaching career. The university has not disclosed the specifics of the complaint or the allegations that prompted the review. The school’s statement merely confirmed that an employee conduct review is underway, and the university intends to handle the matter internally.

Tarleton State University has stated that it values a safe and respectful environment for its student-athletes and staff. The decision to place Gillispie on leave reflects the university’s commitment to thoroughly investigating any concerns raised about conduct within its athletic programs. The university’s leadership has emphasized that they are taking the matter seriously and will act accordingly once the review is complete.

The announcement has prompted reactions from the Tarleton State community, with many awaiting further details about the investigation. Some have expressed support for the university’s decision to prioritize a thorough review, while others are awaiting the outcome of the investigation before forming opinions about Gillispie’s future with the program.

Gillispie’s coaching career has seen ups and downs over the years. After his successful stint at Texas Tech, he faced challenges due to allegations and health issues. His coaching style has often been described as intense, and his reputation has been a topic of debate within college basketball circles.

The university has not indicated when the investigation will conclude or what the next steps might be. For now, Gillispie remains on leave, and the team is being led by associate head coach Glynn Cyprien. The basketball program’s future at Tarleton State will likely depend on the findings of the review and any subsequent decisions made by university officials.

This situation highlights the ongoing concerns and discussions within college athletics about coaching conduct and player treatment. As investigations like this unfold, they serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional environment in collegiate sports.

Tarleton State University has reiterated its commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere for its student-athletes and staff, and it is expected that updates regarding the investigation will be provided once more information becomes available.