A month after it was suggested incoming Grambling volleyball coach Chelsey Lucas had cut the entire team which resulted in widespread concern about the state of the program and athletes impacted, university officials indicated it will review the claims.
In a statement on Thursday, Grambling explained it will “conduct an independent review of allegations involving the women’s volleyball team.”
“The review will be led by counsel who are experienced in legal matters involving collegiate athletics and NCAA compliance,” a portion of the statement said.
Also read: ‘We deserve so much better’: Grambling State volleyball players say coach cuts entire roster
Our focus will remain on the success of every student Grambling State University. #GramFam pic.twitter.com/RmN2IhxynW
— Grambling State Athletics (@GSU_TIGERS) May 5, 2022
The investigation comes amid an accusation that Lucas, who was hired by Grambling during the offseason, was overturning the entire roster including prospective recruits.
It all started with a message posted on April 5 by the Twitter account Grambling State Volleyball Fans which reported that Lucas “cuts the entire volleyball team.” The tweet also alleged that Lucas did so to recruit players from another SWAC school.
Several players contacted by HBCU Sports or other media outlets detailed that they either had been released from the program or did not know their status with the team.
Trayvean Scott, the school’s athletic director, said reports that Lucas was “bringing an entire team” to replace current players and prospective recruits “is inaccurate, though he did explain that Lucas had complete autonomy to change the roster as she saw fit.
University President Rick Gallot will be presented with the final report of the investigation that will be led by California-based Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith. Any findings, the statement said, will be released publicly.
Lucas, who previously coached at Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State, has yet to comment on the matter.
Comments 1