A report, released by ETSU Friday, outlines former ETSU basketball coach Simon Harris’s unfair dismissal of two former basketball team members based on an alleged same-sex relationship.
Over 180 days ago, an internal investigation began on the women’s basketball team and its then coach, Harris, based on Title IX complaints.
The investigation report has been released to media, provided by the Office of University Compliance, titled “Final Investigation Report on Complaint of Sex Discrimination.”
The report was released 11 days after ETSU’s initial announcement to terminate Harris’ employment.
In the report, it’s established that Harris also said the two players broke curfew and alcohol team regulations while other team members were not punished for breaking these rules.
These players were asked to empty their lockers and find new living arrangements, while Harris requested their financial aid be revoked immediately mid-semester, according to submitted documents. While Harris called the scholarship situation a “misunderstanding,” the report stated “Harris should understand basic concepts such as ‘immediate cancellation of aid’” and “it is more likely than not that Harris’ explanation of ‘misunderstanding’ is a lie”.
Harris justified his decision based on a rule he introduced in his introductory slide show when first meeting with the team that stated “family doesn’t kiss family.” Harris never clarified the specific parameters of the rule, and players and staff members alike were confused by what behavior would be considered prohibited.
Gossip and rumors spread quickly among teammates concerning the two members in an alleged relationship. The information brought forth to basketball team leadership included two incidents in November. These incidents were only founded in speculation and no concrete evidence.
The report states that then Athletics Director Scott Carter described that Harris came to him in Nov. 30, 2021, regarding the matter. Carter didn’t inquire into further details of the claims described by Harris. The report said, “Carter seemed uncomfortable with the subject matter and that he should not inquire further for more details as the allegations were sexual in nature.”
Harris then told Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator Lauren Aksionoff that he would be removing the two from the team and told her that Carter had approved the dismissal.
Another major element unveiled in the report was Harris’ coercion of a player into a quid pro quo where he supported the player after getting into a physical altercation in exchange for information about the relationship.
“Investigators conclude that Harris inequitably applied team rules to his players, ultimately punishing (redacted) and (redacted) for allegedly engaging in a same-sex relationship much more harshly than any member of the team for breaking any other team rules,” the report read.
The Office of University Compliance recommended the Athletics Department’s Compliance Office look into likely NCAA violations, review roster management practices, each sport submit travel itineraries and rosters. The office also recommended ETSU Athletics’ Compliance should be provided a student manager and practice player roster, interactions between law enforcement and ETSU Head Coaches should be limited and team rules should be reviewed annually and available to administration and team members.
Earlier on the same day the university announced the intention to terminate Harris, Carter’s resignation was announced. Former athletics director Richard “Doc” Sander was announced as his interim replacement.
Monday, Brenda Mock Brown was introduced as the new women’s basketball coach.
