Sheryl Swoopes: Loyola-Chicago women's basketball coach investigated on mistreatment allegations

Loyola-Chicago women's basketball coach and Hall of Fame member Sheryl Swoopes said she will cooperate with the school as officials investigate the basketball program after allegations of player mistreatment.

A school spokesman said over the weekend that Loyola will conduct the investigation. The spokesman, Leo Krause, did confirm that 10 players on last year's roster have asked for or have been granted their release from Loyola.

In a statement released on Friday, deputy director of athletics Jermaine Truax said the allegations are "more than concerning."

"We look forward to learning how we can resolve these allegations and improve the student-athlete experience within the women's basketball program," Truax said.

The Loyola student newspaper, The Phoenix, cited numerous sources who allege that Swoopes was interfering with players' lives outside of basketball.

"She really pushes them to the point of misery and to the point where they shut down," a source close to the team told The Phoenix. "A lot of them feel very trapped about who they can talk to in the Athletic Department because regardless of who they choose, it usually gets back to Sheryl ... and I think when it gets to that point ... there is no outlet."

In three seasons guiding the Ramblers, Swoopes' teams have compiled a 31-62 record.

Swoopes, who led Texas Tech to the 1993 NCAA title and was the first player signed by the WNBA, was named to this year's Hall of Fame class just earlier this month.