URGENT UPDATE: Tarleton State University has placed men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie on temporary administrative leave following an anonymous complaint, the school announced earlier today. The swift decision raises serious questions about the future of the coach, who has led the program for five seasons.
Gillispie, who turns 66 next month, is no stranger to controversy. He previously faced allegations of player mistreatment during his brief tenure at Texas Tech. With the Texans set to open their regular season on November 3 against SMU, the timing of this announcement adds urgency to the team’s preparations.
In the interim, associate head coach Glynn Cyprien will step in to lead the team. Tarleton State has not disclosed any further details about the complaint or the nature of the allegations but emphasized that they take such matters seriously. The school has yet to comment on how this situation will impact the upcoming season.
Gillispie’s coaching career has been marked by highs and lows. He gained national attention during his time at Texas A&M, where he led the Aggies to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 finish in 2007. However, his career has been marred by personal issues, including multiple arrests for driving under the influence and allegations of mistreatment of players at various institutions.
After a tumultuous stint at Kentucky, where he was dismissed after two seasons, Gillispie briefly coached at Texas Tech before resigning due to health concerns amid similar allegations. He took the helm at Tarleton State during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season and has since accumulated a record of 226-182 over his 13-year career.
The situation at Tarleton State serves as a reminder of the complexities and pressures surrounding college athletics today. As more details emerge, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this developing story unfolds and what it means for the Texans as they approach their season opener.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
