Texas Tech Fires Top Women’s Basketball Coaches Amid Abuse Allegations

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Texas Tech women’s basketball coach Marlene Stollings has been fired after players accused her of fostering a culture of abuse that led to an exodus from the program. Stollings is shown here during a game against Baylor University on Feb. 18 in Lubbock, Texas.

Brad Tollefson/AP

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Brad Tollefson/AP

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The decision to terminate the head coach came Thursday night, after reports that the school’s athletic director, Kirby Hocutt, spoke with players and staff members for several hours.

Texas Tech initially stood by Stollings. In a statement to USA Today Sports on Tuesday, Hocutt said a committee had reviewed players’ allegations against Petrella and other issues regarding the program and presented its findings to him on July 3.

«Based on information received we conducted an in-depth program review of our women’s basketball program, Hocutt said in his initial statement. «I have thoroughly discussed this review with coach Stollings and am confident that we are taking appropriate steps to improve the relationship and communication between coaches and student-athletes so that we can continue to grow the success of our program both on and off the court.

Stollings also released a statement at that time. In part, she said:

«We know change is difficult and that has been no different at Texas Tech. Some wonderful young women have decided to leave our program and pursue their dreams elsewhere. … Our administration and my staff believe in the way we are building and turning this program around here. Our student athletes are developing a disciplined approach both on and off the court. I want our students, fans and alumni to know we are committed to winning championships at Texas Tech and doing it the right way through hard work, accountability and fierce determination.

Hocutt is scheduled to speak via a video conference at 4 p.m. ET.