Loyola fires Sheryl Swoopes after player mistreatment investigation

Loyola has fired head coach Sheryl Swoopes after investigating claims that she mistreated her players.

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Loyola has fired head coach Sheryl Swoopes after investigating claims that she mistreated her players, the university announced on Sunday.

“Sheryl Swoopes is no longer serving as the women’s basketball coach at Loyola University Chicago,” athletic director Steve Watson said in a statement. “A search for her replacement will begin immediately. Loyola thanks Sheryl for her service to the women’s basketball program.”

Loyola launched an investigation into Swoopes in April after 10 of 12 returning players had either transferred or asked to be released from their scholarships. 

The school declined to comment on what the investigation revealed.

• Sheryl Swoopes breaks silence on player mistreatment allegations

Former player Cate Soane said in April that Swoopes “humiliated” and “belittled” her before she transferred. 

In June, Swoopes called the accusations “false attacks” and denied any wrongdoing. The public relations firm that represents her told theChicago Tribune on Sunday that she would comment further on her firing after the July 4 holiday, but that she was disappointed with the decision.

Swoopes, 45, is a four-time WNBA champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist for the United States, and was recently elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.