Legendary University of Texas women’s track coach Bev Kearney has resigned after admitting to a sexual relationship with one of her athletes in 2002. Patti Ohlendorf, UT-Austin Vice President for Legal Affairs, issued a statement that read, in part:

Based upon the review, the University does not believe that Coach Kearney had any similar relationships with student-athletes either before or after the reported relationship, which began about 10 1/2 years ago and ended at least about eight years ago. Coach Kearney is a good person and has been very important to the University. However, she made this terrible mistake and used unacceptably poor judgment in having this relationship.

Legendary University of Texas women’s track coach Bev Kearney has resigned after admitting to a sexual relationship with one of her athletes in 2002. Patti Ohlendorf, UT-Austin Vice President for Legal Affairs, issued a statement that read, in part:

Based upon the review, the University does not believe that Coach Kearney had any similar relationships with student-athletes either before or after the reported relationship, which began about 10 1/2 years ago and ended at least about eight years ago. Coach Kearney is a good person and has been very important to the University. However, she made this terrible mistake and used unacceptably poor judgment in having this relationship.

The University determined that it no longer was appropriate for Coach Kearney to serve as head coach or to work directly with our student-athletes and was prepared to begin the termination process. This was discussed with Coach Kearney recently. The University told Coach Kearney that we cannot condone such an intimate relationship, including one that is consensual, between a head coach and a student-athlete. We told Coach Kearney such a relationship is unprofessional and crosses the line of trust placed in the head coach for all aspects of the athletic program and the best interests of the student-athletes on the team.

Kearney was inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

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