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SIU Administrators: Allegations Against Coaches Under Investigation

SIU leaders say they're following the process of looking into allegations against two coaches on the Carbondale campus.

Soccer coach Grant Williams is on administrative leave, and Women's Swimming and Diving Coach Geoff Hanson is facing allegations of sexual harassment.

Chancellor Austin Lane says his focus right now is on the student athletes.

"We're still dealing with allegations at this point, that again we'll try to get to the bottom of, and make sure our student athletes are still competing, that they're still going to class, and making sure that they're taken care of."

Lane dismissed Liz Jarnigan from her job as Athletic Director last week. He says the decision was not made lightly - and says he's working to resolve issues within the department.

"The previous AD contract allows for us to make leadership changes, as you know, in the athletic leadership arena. And sometimes those changes - I know they're hard - but those are changes that we make for the good of the department, in terms of how we want to go forward."

SIU System President Dan Mahony says he's keeping track of what's happening, as well.

"Chancellor Lane has kept me informed throughout the last couple of weeks, and I'm completely supportive of he decision making that he's done there. He has my full backing, and we'll support him in the search for a new athletic director and everything that needs to happen in the months ahead."

New information this week shows another employee in SIU Athletics - Alex Parker - was hired in SIU's NCAA compliance office this summer, after he admitted to violating the governing board's policy against loaning money to student athletes at his previous position - Parker has been reassigned to a different job in the athletic department.

SIUC named SIU Foundation Director Matt Kupec the Interim Athletic Director, as they prepare for a national search for Jarnigan's permanent replacement.

Copyright 2021 WSIU Public Radio. To see more, visit WSIU Public Radio.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.