The story behind Tyler Summitt’s sudden resignation as the head coach of the Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team Thursday reportedly has taken a shocking turn.
The 25-year-old coach said he stepped down after “engaging in a relationship that has negatively affected the people I love, respect and care about the most.” Summitt didn’t provide a specific reason, but multiple sources told SB Nation’s Swish Appeal that he impregnated one of his players, whose name was not released by the site.
That shocking news came after both Summitt, who is the son of legendary former Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, and the school released statements.
“It is with great regret that I resign from my position as head coach of the women’s basketball program at Louisiana Tech University,” Tyler Summitt said in a statement, via ESPN. “I am profoundly disappointed in myself for engaging in a relationship that has negatively affected the people I love, respect and care about the most.
“My hope, plans and prayers are to repair those relationships. I am appreciative of the opportunity I was given to coach at Louisiana Tech. I am heartbroken that my time has ended in Ruston, (Louisiana), but because of my respect for the institution, it is best that I resign. I am hopeful the media and the public will respect the privacy of my family and me as we deal with this difficult situation I have caused.”
Louisiana Tech added in a statement: “The university has accepted his resignation and appreciates the contributions he has made to the growth and success of the Lady Techsters program during his tenure. Louisiana Tech will immediately begin the process of selecting a new head coach to lead the women’s basketball program and student-athletes forward. Louisiana Tech wishes Tyler and his family the best of luck in the future.”
Summitt has been married to his high school girlfriend, AnDe Ragsdale, since 2013. He had a record of 30-31 in his two seasons as La Tech coach.
Thumbnail photo via Randy Sartin/USA TODAY Sports Images
