STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — Tarleton State University has initiated temporary administrative leave for men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie following the receipt of an anonymous complaint, the school announced Friday. This action underscores a serious concern regarding the conduct of the head coach, who has led the Texans program for five seasons. The former Kentucky coach, with a storied career including stints at Texas A&M and Texas Tech, is currently overseeing team operations under the guidance of associate head coach Glynn Cyprien. The university has stated it has no further immediate comment on the situation. The Tarleton State Texans are scheduled to commence their regular season on November 3rd at SMU, marking a significant event for the program.

Billy Gillispie’s career has been marked by both notable successes and significant challenges. Prior to his tenure at Tarleton State, he achieved considerable acclaim as the head coach of Texas A&M’s men’s basketball team. During his time with the Aggies, he skillfully guided the program to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2006-07, culminating in a Sweet Sixteen run in 2007. This period showcased his strategic abilities and ability to develop talent, establishing him as a rising figure in college basketball. However, his time at Kentucky was dramatically different, plagued by controversy and ultimately leading to his dismissal after just two seasons. The Wildcats, accustomed to consistent NCAA Tournament participation, missed the bracket for the first time in 17 years under Gillispie’s leadership.

Following his departure from Kentucky, Gillispie faced a period of personal struggles, including multiple arrests for driving under the influence and a subsequent involvement with a substance abuse program overseen by John Lucas. These events highlighted vulnerabilities and contributed to a challenging period in his life. Subsequently, he retired from coaching at a Texas junior college, ending a nine-year coaching career. Despite these difficulties, Gillispie’s overall record stands at 226-182 over 13 seasons, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the sport and a proven track record of building programs. His initial head coaching position was at UTEP, where he delivered an impressive 18-win improvement in his second season, securing an NCAA tournament berth and providing the Aggies with an opportunity to compete on a national stage. The success at UTEP served as a foundation for his future coaching endeavors. The ongoing investigation surrounding the anonymous complaint at Tarleton State underscores the importance of due process and accountability within collegiate athletics, highlighting the need for a safe and supportive environment for all student-athletes. This situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored as it unfolds, impacting not only the Tarleton State program but also the broader landscape of college basketball.