UPDATE: Tarleton State University has placed head coach Billy Gillispie on temporary administrative leave amid a developing investigation into an anonymous complaint. The university announced this significant decision on Friday, stating that no further details about the nature of the complaint are available at this time.
In a swift response, Glynn Cyprien, the associate head coach, has stepped in as the acting head coach. The university has refrained from commenting further, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the situation.
This investigation comes as Gillispie, 65, faces scrutiny following past allegations of player mistreatment during his tenure at Texas Tech from 2011 to 2012. He resigned from his position as head coach in September 2012, citing health issues, just a month after the school initiated an investigation into claims made by players regarding their treatment under his leadership.
Gillispie’s coaching career has been marred by controversy, including questions about his coaching style during his time at Kentucky, which ultimately led to his firing in 2009. The athletic director at Kentucky remarked that Gillispie “wasn’t the right fit for the program,” and he later settled a $3 million lawsuit regarding his dismissal.
Currently in his sixth season at Tarleton State, Gillispie has a record of 78-74 and led the team to a strong 25-10 finish in the 2023-24 season, including participation in the CIT. His overall head coaching record stands at 226-182 across 13 seasons, with four NCAA tournament appearances.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on Tarleton State and its leadership. The university has not provided a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion, leaving fans and players anxious for clarity on Gillispie’s future with the program.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops.
