UNC’s Hatchell resigns after findings from program review

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina women’s basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell has resigned after an external review found she had made “racially insensitive” comments and applied “undue influence” regarding players’ ability to compete through medical issues.

The school issued a release late Thursday announcing the Hall of Famer’s resignation and findings from the review by a Charlotte-based law firm. The review also reported “a breakdown of connectivity between the players and Hatchell” after 28 interviews of current players and program personnel.

Hatchell and her coaching staff had been on paid administrative leave since April 1, with UNC announcing the review amid player concerns to “assess the culture” of the program.

In statements, athletic director Bubba Cunningham said the program “needed to be taken in a new direction” while Hatchell called it “a bittersweet day.”