After the conclusion of the 2015-16 season, 10 of the 12 remaining Loyola women's basketball players asked to be released from their scholarships. Some of the players reached out to media outlets, like the Chicago Tribune, and alleged player mistreatment from coach and Hall of Fame player Sheryl Swoopes. It caused concern within the school, and in mid-April an investigation was launched.
The conclusion apparently came Sunday evening in the form of a brief statement, as Loyola broke through the holiday weekend news cycle with an announcement that Swoopes had been terminated.
"Sheryl Swoopes is no longer serving as the women's basketball coach at Loyola University Chicago," the 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 her three seasons leading the program, but the record seems less concerning than the number of complaints from players requests to transfer after each of the last two seasons. Five players told the Chicago Tribune in April that Swoopes threatened to take away scholarships as a motivational tool and that emotional, intimidating coaching style led to the decision to leave.
A statement released by a public relations firm representing Swoopes highlighted disappointment in the timing of the decision.
"In response to the inquiries made about the investigation, Sheryl is comfortable with its outcomes," the statement read. "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."
Swoopes was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in April and is scheduled to be inducted in September. She was a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist as a player and named MVP of the WNBA three times during her professional career.
