BREAKING: Tarleton State University has placed men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie on temporary administrative leave following an anonymous complaint, the school confirmed today. This decision marks a significant development for the Texans as they prepare for their regular season opener on November 3, 2023, against SMU.
The university’s announcement comes as Gillispie, who has a history of allegations surrounding player mistreatment from his time at Texas Tech, faces renewed scrutiny. The 65-year-old coach has been with Tarleton State for five seasons, but his tenure has been marred by controversies, including past health issues and legal troubles.
In the wake of this decision, associate head coach Glynn Cyprien will step in to lead the team. Tarleton State officials have chosen not to comment further on the situation as it develops.
Gillispie’s coaching career has been tumultuous; he previously led programs at Texas A&M and Kentucky. At Texas A&M, he achieved notable success by guiding the team to the NCAA Tournament in consecutive years, culminating in a Sweet 16 appearance in 2007. However, his time at Kentucky ended abruptly when the team missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 17 years, leading to his dismissal.
His brief stint at Texas Tech ended with only one conference win before he resigned, citing health issues amid allegations of mistreatment. This troubling pattern raises questions about Gillispie’s future as a coach, especially as he deals with ongoing scrutiny.
The situation at Tarleton State is evolving rapidly, and fans are left wondering how this will impact the upcoming season. As the Texans prepare for their opener against SMU, the focus will now shift to Cyprien and how he manages the team during this transitional period.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.