University of Evansville’s Walter McCarty placed on leave amid Title IX investigation
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — University of Evansville head men’s basketball coach Walter McCarty has been placed on administrative leave amid a Title IX investigation, the school announced Friday.
McCarty is being investigated for alleged violations of the university’s Title IX policy. Details surrounding the potential violations have not been released.
According to a press release from the university, the school received reports about McCarty’s off-court behavior, including a recent incident that appeared to violate the policy.
A national law firm has been appointed to conduct the investigation.
“The University will make a fair and informed decision on Coach McCarty’s status based on the results of the investigation,” the press release said. “At this time, the University does not intend to publicly discuss or disclose any specific details related to the investigation.”
University of Evansville President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz said the decision was not made lightly or in haste.
“We will continue to offer support and resources to any student or employee who believes they have been the victim of inappropriate behavior,” Pietruszkiewicz said in a letter to the UE community. “I appreciate your understanding and continued support. Most importantly, I remain proud of this university and the values for which it stands.”
McCarty has led the men’s basketball program at UE since March of 2018. He made the move to UE after serving on the staff of the Boston Celtics for five seasons.
He recently guided the team to a stunning victory over formerly-No. 1 Kentucky in November.
Bennie Seltzer has been named the team’s interim head coach. Seltzer has previously coached for Samford University, University of Oklahoma, Marquette University, Indiana University and Washington State University.
Christopher Pietruszkiewicz released the following statement to the UE community:
“Dear UE Community, I am writing to share information about the University of Evansville’s decision to place Men’s Basketball Coach Walter McCarty on administrative leave pending an investigation into possible Title IX violations.
This was not a decision made lightly or in haste. We are concerned that he may have violated key provisions of the University’s Title IX policy. UE will not tolerate any behavior from any university employee or student that jeopardizes the safety and security of others.
The University has received reports of unwelcome conduct by Coach McCarty since his arrival in March 2018. We have counseled him about his behavior. In the last two weeks, the University received a troubling report about Coach McCarty’s interactions with a member of the campus community. We have placed Coach McCarty on leave while that incident is being investigated. The University will make a fair and informed decision on Coach McCarty’s status based on the results of the investigation.
Coach McCarty has enjoyed great success with our Men’s Basketball program and is a popular figure throughout the community. But Coach McCarty’s success does not in any way outweigh the need to uphold the standards that define our university.
We have named Bennie Seltzer as interim head coach of the Men’s Basketball team. Coach Seltzer previously served as the head coach of Samford University and held assistant coaching positions at the University of Oklahoma, Marquette University, Indiana University and Washington State University. We are confident he and his assistants will provide the leadership qualities we expect from our coaches.
We have retained a national law firm to conduct an independent investigation into this matter, consistent with our commitment to investigate and respond to reports of inappropriate behavior.
We will continue to offer support and resources to any student or employee who believes they have been the victim of inappropriate behavior. The University’s Office of Institutional Equity can be reached at: titleix@evansville.edu.
I appreciate your understanding and continued support. Most importantly, I remain proud of this university and the values for which it stands.”
Sincerely,
President Pietruszkiewicz