Statement From UT Athletic Director, Mike O'Brien
Regarding the Deadspin.com article about former UT Cross-Country & Track Coach, Kevin Hadsell:
Regarding the Deadspin.com article about former UT Cross-Country & Track Coach, Kevin Hadsell:
Mike O'Brien,
UT Athletic Director
I am disappointed to learn of the scope of the allegations against former Women’s Track and Field and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach Kevin Hadsell. Any such concerns brought to our attention by current or former athletes would have been swiftly and diligently investigated.
When brought to our attention last fall, we immediately looked into allegations concerning Coach Hadsell and a past inappropriate relationship with a student-athlete. We worked with the University’s human resources office, which instructed us to meet with the coach. At that time, he denied the allegations. As they were from an anonymous non-student source, we could not investigate the situation further.
In December, a current student-athlete came forward with new allegations. This information was again turned over to human resources, which began an investigation. During the course of that investigation, Coach Hadsell made the decision to resign from his position as the director of track and cross country. Had he not resigned he would have been fired.
The alleged conduct violates the University’s sexual harassment policy and the high standards we expect of all members of the UT Athletics Department. We do not condone or tolerate such behavior.
These allegations represent the inappropriate outlier behavior of one individual and are not representative of the culture and ethos of our University.
Mike O’Brien
UT Athletic Director
When brought to our attention last fall, we immediately looked into allegations concerning Coach Hadsell and a past inappropriate relationship with a student-athlete. We worked with the University’s human resources office, which instructed us to meet with the coach. At that time, he denied the allegations. As they were from an anonymous non-student source, we could not investigate the situation further.
In December, a current student-athlete came forward with new allegations. This information was again turned over to human resources, which began an investigation. During the course of that investigation, Coach Hadsell made the decision to resign from his position as the director of track and cross country. Had he not resigned he would have been fired.
The alleged conduct violates the University’s sexual harassment policy and the high standards we expect of all members of the UT Athletics Department. We do not condone or tolerate such behavior.
These allegations represent the inappropriate outlier behavior of one individual and are not representative of the culture and ethos of our University.
Mike O’Brien
UT Athletic Director
