UT Permian Basin soccer coach on paid administrative leave after players express concerns

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Head coach Carla Tejas is part of an ongoing investigation after a group of players sent an email to the university, Lone Star Conference and NCAA officials expressing their concern about Tejas' behavior on and off the field.

The email sent by players also brought up concerns about mental health and academics, along with alleging how Tejas may have violated NCAA and Title IX guidelines.

According to the Odessa Police Department, Tejas was pulled over going 56 mph in a 40 mph zone. The officer that pulled her over noticed the smell of alcohol on her and that Tejas was slurring her speech.

Two breathalyzer tests revealed Tejas had a blood-alcohol level over 0.15.

However, that all changed when a group of students filed a complaint citing numerous grievances. That complaint was sent to our newsroom this weekend. The group claimed Tejas allowed an ineligible player to remain on the team and play in games. In addition to several NCAA violations, the group alleged Tejas also violated their civil rights and said they chose to come forward anonymously out of fear of retaliation. The group also cited academic concerns in their complaint, saying that Tejas’ demands of the soccer team caused them to fall behind in their studies.

As for NCAA infractions, players allege Tejas re-entered a game that she was ejected from in disguise and continued coaching via walkie-talkie.