IU Indy fires HC Paul Corsaro: What we know

IU Indy announced the firing of Paul Corsaro as the head coach of its men’s basketball program Tuesday.

The news comes amid a complaint filed with the university by the families of six players who transferred out of the program in which they claimed “deep concerns regarding the culture and treatment of student athletes within the IU Indianapolis men’s basketball program under head coach Paul Corsaro.”

“Our concerns regarding the IU Indianapolis men’s basketball program extend far beyond the normal challenges or demands of student-athlete life and into abuse both physically, emotionally, and an environment of intimidation, bullying, retaliation, and fear,” the complaint continued.

Rex Elliott, a lawyer from the firm that filed the complaint to IU Indy on behalf of the six families, told the IndyStar that “the dismissal of Paul Corsaro is certainly warranted.”

Corsaro posted a 10-22 overall record and 6-14 mark in the Horizon League in his lone season leading the Jaguars. That’s a substantial improvement for the program, which won fewer than 10 games in each of the previous five seasons.

The school’s statement read in part:

“Based on the complaints, the IU office of vice president and general counsel conducted an investigation and concluded that Corsaro’s behavior did not meet the university’s values and standards regarding the treatment of student athletes. Based on these conclusions, IU Indianapolis has dismissed Paul Corsaro.”

The 36-year-old coach released his own statement later in the day on Tuesday.

“The university’s decision today is deeply disheartening,” Corsaro said in his statement. “I vehemently deny the alleged mistreatment of student athletes and will vigorously defend the reputation I have worked tirelessly to build.

I am extremely disappointed that the university issued a statement this morning without having first being afforded the opportunity to file a written appeal, as per the terms of my contract and which I intend to do. Despite my full cooperation with the university’s process, including providing numerous documents that refuted the unfair allegations against me, the university has consistently refused to provide any documentation that initiated and substantiated these claims, even after multiple requests.”

He continued to say that they had fostered a strong culture and that his main focus now is clearing his name and rebuilding his reputation.

Prior to IU Indy, Corsaro spent four seasons as the head coach at Division II University of Indianapolis, where he went 79-37.

IU Indy said a national search for the program’s next head coach has started.