re: ULL Softball Coach Lotief placed on administrative leave (11/1 update: he fired)

quote:

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Lotief’s response was delivered in a statement from his attorney, John E. McElligott, Jr. The full text of the statement is:

“Approximately two weeks ago, Coach Lotief was informed that he was placed on administrative leave. We would like the softball fan base, Ragin’ Cajun supporters and the good people of Lafayette to understand that this action arises out of a passionate conversation about gender equity, between Coach Lotief and other University personnel. In this conversation, Coach Lotief raised simple issues like getting the grass cut, making sure students have an athletic trainer at practice, making sure the assistant coaches get paid and ensuring female athletes get a functional assessment before doing weight training.

“The Lotiefs have spent their university careers fighting for better opportunities for female athletes and to make sure they are afforded equitable opportunities. While no formal complaints have been made against Coach Lotief, we hope that this brings greater awareness to the issues of gender equity, and ask the community for their continued support and prayers for UL’s softball players in this difficult time.”

Lotief is one of the nation’s most successful head softball coaches. He has a career record of 729-174. This past season, his program finished 47-8 and a record 23-1 in Sun Belt play.

The Cajuns fell to LSU in the NCAA Regional finals.

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He wants ULL to not be small time. Nothing crazy.

Hiding it behind "gender equity" is kind of petty. This is about funding and non-revenue generating sports.