Head coach DeUnna Hendrix engaged in an inappropriate romantic relationship with player

The GIST: In a wash, rinse, repeat of an institution protecting itself instead of its athletes, Miami of Ohio buried the actual reason women’s basketball head coach (HC) DeUnna Hendrix resigned last Wednesday: Evidence emerged that Hendrix engaged in an inappropriate romantic relationship with one of her players. Unacceptable.

The details: Miami athletic director David Saylor learned of intimate texts between Hendrix and the player on April 19th and suspended the HC the next day. Then, after a mere five-day investigation, the university ruled that there wasn’t a Title IX or sexual misconduct violation but that the relationship breached policy prohibiting amorous relationships between staff and undergrads.

The cover-up: In light of her impending termination, Hendrix chose to resign, but she stipulated in her letter that her resignation was contingent on the university not commenting on why her employment ended, as well as the school agreeing to refrain from saying anything “that may be considered…detrimental to [her] good name or reputation.”

• The university acquiesced and released a bland announcement of Hendrix’s departure on Wednesday, citing confidentiality and student well-being when asked about agreeing to her terms to keep her alleged misconduct under wraps. Wish we were kidding.

Zooming out: Not only did Miami keep quiet as to why Hendrix was leaving, but the school also agreed to keep that damning information from potential future employers — meaning Hendrix could be hired to coach again by an unsuspecting school, becoming the latest example in an all-too-familiar pattern of institutional failure. Again and again, protect all of our players.