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Tarleton State Head Coach Billy Gillispie Placed On Leave Amid Complaint & Investigation

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA - NOVEMBER 6: Head coach Billy Gillispie of the Tarleton State Texans reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on November 6, 2023 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)

Tarleton State men’s basketball head coach Billy Gillispie is on temporary administrative leave following a complaint, which the university is currently investigating.

Steve Uryasz, vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics at the school, said in a statement released on Friday that the university “initiated an employee conduct review after receiving an anonymous complaint.”

The school also announced it will not comment further during the investigation. The statement did not give details on the nature of the complaint nor a timeframe for the matter.

Since starting his coaching career, the 65-year-old has faced several controversies and health-related issues. While at Texas Tech in 2011 and 2012, Gillispie was accused of player mistreatment and later resigned in September 2012 due to health concerns.

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Before that, Kentucky fired the coach in 2009, which ultimately led him to file a lawsuit against the athletic association. Gillispie and the university settled the case in October 2009 for nearly $3 million.

Gillispie is a two-time Big 12 Coach of the Year following successful seasons at Texas A&M between 2004 and 2007. While with the Aggies, he helped the team achieve three consecutive 20-win seasons. Gillispie also led UTEP to a WAC title before joining Texas A&M, helping the Miners clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The Texans will play SMU on Nov. 3 to open their 2025 campaign. Assistant coach Glynn Cyprien will take over for Gillispie during his leave.