UNC women’s basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell has been suspended for two games based on different incidents.
Hatchell was suspended for one game by the university for making contact with an official during the Tar Heels’ game at Duke on January 24. Hatchell will serve that suspension on Sunday, January 31.
The NCAA is also suspending Hatchell for a separate game for a Level III violation of rules pertaining to activities that simulate game day introductions of prospects during an official visit. Assistant coach Tracey Williams-Johnson will serve a one-game suspension for the same violation of rules. Hatchell will serve that suspension during the game at Boston College on February 7. Williams-Johnson will serve her suspension against Louisville on February 4.
“I place a high value on sportsmanship for myself, my team and the University,” says Hatchell. “My actions at Duke were out of character and do not reflect the deep respect for our sport and its officials. And we unintentionally broke a rule during a recruiting visit, a mistake we will not make again. I accept responsibility for these mistakes and look forward to returning for the remainder of the year to coach this incredible group of women.”
“We have tremendous respect for Coach Hatchell, but it’s important that we hold ourselves accountable for issues involving sportsmanship and compliance, even when mistakes are made inadvertently,” says Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. “Each of us in the athletic department will learn valuable lessons from these situations and hopefully avoid missteps such as these in the future.”
Associate head coach Andrew Calder will lead the team during Hatchell’s absence.
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