Loyola coach Sheryl Swoopes: Accusations are ‘false attacks’

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Calling accusations of mistreatment by her players “false attacks made of my character and coaching,” Sheryl Swoopes defended herself publicly Thursday for the first time since Loyola’s investigation began April 15.

The university has not announced the findings of its inquiry, which began after 10 women’s basketball players declared their intention to transfer. Five did the same the offseason before.

Curiously — and perhaps tellingly — the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer’s statement was issued through her longtime Columbus, Ohio-based public relations firm, and not the university.

“In the recent months, there have been accusations and false attacks made of my character and coaching,” she said in a statement. “I have been silent, respecting and trusting a process of due diligence. The appropriate time where you will hear my voice is soon coming. I will openly address the reckless reports and any questions of alleged wrongdoing.”

Her spokesperson declined a Swoopes interview request, citing the ongoing investigation, which Loyola is conducting alongside law firm Dykema and figures to be concluded soon.

“I stand proudly in my values, actions and intent of representing the best interests for students — as athletes, but more importantly as individuals,” Swoopes said. “There is nothing in my behavior, past nor present, as a coach or professional that reflects anything other than structure, encouragement and respect for others.

“I’m honored, privileged and grateful to be in a position as a coach at Loyola, cultivating students to be their best selves both on and off the court.”

Swoopes won three Olympic gold medals, four WNBA titles with the Houston Comets and a NCAA title at Texas Tech. Her coaching resume was thin, though, when the Ramblers hired her in April 2013 — merely one year as an assistant at Mercer Island (Wash.) High School.

Five players transferred after a 6-25 season in 2014-15, and 10 after a 14-16 mark this season.

Former players alleged the staff took books and laptops away on road trips to encourage them to focus on basketball. Cate Soane, who transferred after Swoopes’ first season, in 2013-14, told the Sun-Times she was “humiliated, belittled” and the victim of “emotional abuse.” Swoopes and her staff threatened players with scholarship revocation, mocked her and told her teammates to do the same, Soane said.

“Any points of process, policy or protocol regarding players were with engagement and support of Loyola,” Swoopes said. “I know what basketball has afforded me personally in my growth and development through coaches, in high school, college and as a professional.

“They were coaches who cared beyond players winning games. Sometimes this included rules or protocols that I later understood to be protective and not punishing. If that’s the allegation, I’ll accept any consequences of being a coach who cares.”

Loyola has three signees and four more spring commitments to add to the two holdover players next season.

“I’m confident that the facts will prevail on the side of doing what was, what is and what will be considered right, appropriate or within the standard policies of university student-athlete agreement,” Swoopes said. “Our players’ well-being, as students first, has always been the priority.”


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