University of Alabama Birmingham softball coach Taylor Smartt has stepped away from the program while the university investigates allegations of misconduct.
As reported by Hoover-based ABC affiliate WBMA, the second-year head coach has not been on the Blazers bench since their April 24 home game against South Florida, missing the final five regular-season games and the season-ending loss in the American Conference tournament on Wednesday in Greenville, N.C.
A story published by Softball on SI details allegations of racist remarks about a player's "jailhouse braids" hairstyle, engaging in physical and emotional abuse of players, conducting inappropriate relationships with a former staff member and a player, committing numerous NCAA violations, and “creating a hostile environment that was unfit for student-athletes.”
Softball On SI spoke with 10 people with ties to the softball program, including four current student-athletes
During the team’s first game of a March series against East Carolina, Smartt allegedly punched one of her players twice. All four student-athletes confirmed the incident, and details describing what happened were revealed in an email obtained by Softball On SI.
“I am writing to report an incident I witnessed during the ECU vs. UAB softball game yesterday, Friday March 27,” says the March 28 email sent to athletic director Jon Gilbert and two other UAB athletics administrators.
“While observing from the first base dugout area, I saw the UAB head coach punch a player in the dugout. Following the incident, I noticed the player began to tear up, appearing to be in physical pain or distress.
“This occurred during the end of the game.
“I wanted to bring this matter to your attention for further review.”
Gilbert replied to the email with, “Thank you for sharing,” and “Will forward to the appropriate people,” as reported by Maren Angus-Coombs of SI.
A statement by UAB reads:
"Taylor Smartt has taken a step back from the program. We will make further comment when it’s appropriate. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive experience for our student athletes. When concerns are brought to our attention, we take appropriate steps to investigate them. Employment matters are handled between the institution and employees."
