BREAKING: UK has fired its entire cheerleading coaching staff and longtime advisor after investigation reveals inappropriate conduct including alcohol use, hazing and public nudity
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) May 18, 2020
“A commitment we make and renew every day at the University of Kentucky is that the success of our students is at the center of everything that we do. But for that sentiment to be more than words, we must always act in ways that honor that commitment—especially when we discover rare instances where those who supervise and guide our students don’t meet the standards of integrity we expect of each other. This is one of those times,” Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said.
“The University of Kentucky has built the nation’s premier collegiate cheerleading program. But regrettably, the integrity of the program has been compromised by inappropriate behavior by some squad members on off-campus trips and by lax oversight by the program’s coaches and advisor.”
At a cheerleading camp in Tennessee, squad members instructed their teammates to “perform lewd chants and wear outfits that did not include underwear.”
“The annual retreat will be eliminated, and all off-campus trips will be closely supervised,” executive associate athletics director Sandy Bell said. “Cheerleading squad members will be held to the same standards as all our student athletes. It’s a new day for UK cheerleading.”
The investigation did not find any evidence of sexual assault or misconduct.
Thompson had been Kentucky’s cheerleading coach since 2002.
Kentucky has won 24 national championships in the last 35 years and is considered the premier cheerleading program in the country.
Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com
Want More From Sports Gossip?
For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
