Syracuse women’s basketball head coach Quentin Hillsman resigns amid bullying allegations

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Syracuse women’s basketball head coach Quentin Hillsman has resigned, according to a statement from Syracuse Athletics. His resignation comes a month after The Athletic reported allegations of threats and intimidation against Hillsman.

Syracuse, athletics director John Wildhack, said in a statement that Syracuse University has accepted Hillsmans’ resignation and that an interim head coach will fill the position in the coming days.

Coach Hillsman and I have agreed that our separation is in the best interests of the University, the program and our student-athletes, Wildhack said in the statement.

Athletic reports included descriptions of Hillsman’s mistreatment of female coaches and staff, use of foul language and inappropriate behavior. Athletic spoke to nine former players and 19 others, including managers and staff, and the allegations came after 11 players were transferred out of the program this offseason. SU announced the launch of an external investigation after the publication of the article.

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Based on the nature of these allegations, Syracuse University engages an outside company to conduct an independent review and will take appropriate action based on its findings, said Sarah Scalese, senior associate vice president for academic communications, in a press release. While no formal complaints have been made to date by members of the women’s basketball program, we take these allegations very seriously.

Wildhack said in his latest statement that the university is still investigating the women’s basketball program.

As previously announced, the university has retained an outside law firm to conduct a review of the program, Wildhack said in the statement. This review is ongoing and the Sports Department will address any issues identified upon completion of the review.

Athletic also reported that a Syracuse player completed a questionnaire alleging problems with the coaching staff. Weaknesses described by the ex-player included ego, manipulation, control, disrespect for women / girls, anger issues, mood swings, gas lighting (sic), lie, emotional abuse, inattention, don’t communicate, don’t follow through, empty threats (fear tactic), every time you talk to a girl you disrespect in some way or of another. SU did not follow the player, according to the article.

Learning after the fact through the media that a student-athlete has had a disturbing experience limits our ability to investigate a problem in real time, ”Wildhack said in a statement in response to The Athletics reporting. “We urge all student-athletes of all sports, past and present, to bring any incidents of inappropriate behavior to our attention so that we can initiate an investigation. We also implore student-athletes to be frank in their exit interviews. The only way our leaders can solve problems is to know them.

These allegations are not the first time Hillsman’s behavior has been called into question. In 2011, a Title IX complaint against Hillsman for sexual harassment was investigated by the Civil Rights Office of the Department of Education. The lawsuit filed by Gary Lampkins on behalf of his daughter Lynnae detailed cases of mental, physical and emotional abuse and a text from Hillsman to Lynnae that said I love you. I miss you. I can not wait to see you.

Syracuse launched its own investigation in 2011 and found no wrongdoing, according to the article. According to The Athletic, the outcome of the Title IX claim is still unclear.

Posted on August 2, 2021 at 2:10 p.m.

Contact Anish: [email protected]

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