Evansville Fires Coach Over Reports of Misconduct

Walter McCarty is out of a job less than three months after pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the history of NCAA men’s basketball.

The University of Evansville, located in Evansville, Ind., announced the firing of McCarty on Tuesday, following an investigation into reports of sexual misconduct and violations of the school’s Title IX policy.

“While the investigation of potential Title IX violations will continue under University policies, UE has decided that, based on the facts uncovered thus far, it is necessary to terminate Mr. McCarty’s employment immediately,” the release said. “There is no place at UE for any behavior by any University employee or student that jeopardizes the safety and security of others.”

Evansville placed the 45-year-old McCarty, who signed a five-year contract in 2018, on administrative leave on Dec. 26. Bennie Seltzer served as interim head coach while the university initiated an external investigation by a national law firm.

“The University has received reports of unwelcome conduct by Coach McCarty since his arrival in March 2018,” Evansville president Chris Pietruszkiewicz told staff at the time, according to the Evansville Courier & Press. “We have counseled him about his behavior. In the last two weeks, the University received a troubling report about Coach McCarty’s interactions with a member of the campus community.”

Tuesday’s announcement said that the university has received additional reports of McCarty’s misconduct since he was placed on leave.

A second Tuesday press release announced that Todd Lickliter will take over the Purple Aces, who are 9-10, including 0-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference, going into Wednesday’s home game against Drake.

"My family and I are excited to have the opportunity to rejoin the Evansville community," said Lickliter, who was an Evansville assistant during the 2018-20 season. "I am humbled by the chance to lead the Purple Aces program and thankful to reunite with this outstanding group of student-athletes.  It is a privilege to be a part of a program with a rich history and tradition."

The Purple Aces gained national attention for knocking off top-ranked Kentucky – McCarty’s alma mater – on Nov. 12.