Loyola fires Sheryl Swoopes after player mistreatment investigation

Loyola fired women's basketball coach Sheryl Swoopes after a lengthy investigation into allegations of player mistreatment.

Loyola University Chicago made the announcement Sunday night with a three-sentence statement.

After the conclusion of the 2015-16 season, 10 of the 12 remaining Loyola players asked to be released from their scholarships. Several players reached out to the Chicago Tribune and alleged player mistreatment from Swoopes.

Loyola launched an investigation in April and the university later hired a law firm to assist with the investigation and interviewing of players.

"Sheryl Swoopes is no longer serving as the women's basketball coach at Loyola University Chicago," the school's statement read. "A search for her replacement will begin immediately. Loyola thanks Sheryl for her service to the women's basketball program."

Swoopes had a 31-62 record in three seasons at Loyola, including 14-16 last season. She received a contract extension after her first season that ran through 2017-18.

Swoopes, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time most valuable player of the WNBA, was elected in April to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and will be inducted in September. She led Texas Tech to the 1993 NCAA title and was the first player signed by the WNBA.

A public relations firm representing Swoopes released a statement: "In response to the inquiries made about the investigation, Sheryl is comfortable with its outcomes. She is disappointed, however, with the actions that have followed. In respect of the holiday, we plan to have Sheryl's voice heard at an appropriate time."

Five former players told the Chicago Tribune in April that Swoopes was difficult to play for, frequently threatening players with the loss of their scholarships, and that her coaching style led to the player exodus.

Swoopes defended herself last month in a statement: "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. In the recent months, there have been accusations and false attacks made of my character and coaching. I stand proudly in my values, actions and intent of representing the best interests for students -- as athletes, but more importantly as individuals."