Things are getting very ugly around the University of Alabama at Birmingham softball program, and the allegations against coach Taylor Smartt are the kind of headlines no athletic department wants anywhere near its logo.
According to reports, multiple former student-athletes, parents, and people connected to the program have accused Smartt of racist remarks, verbal, mental abuse, and even physical mistreatment during her time leading the team.
Yes, this is not the inspirational sports movie storyline schools usually hope for.
The report comes after Smartt reportedly “took a step back” from the program last month, which now feels less like a random coaching break and more like the beginning of a giant public relations wildfire.
One of the most disturbing accusations came from Lindsey Dupree, whose daughter Aubrey Dupree previously played for the team. Lindsey told Sports Illustrated that Smartt allegedly “repeatedly subjected” her daughter to racist comments, verbal attacks, and body shaming.
In a text message to the SI, Aubrey described Smartt as “manipulative” and made her second-guess her worth as a “player, a friend, and just as a human.”
Another parent said her daughter was told by the coach to stop hanging out with her “charred” friends.
The alleged physical abuse came from a complaint that was made after someone witnessed Smartt punch one of her players during the first game in a series against East Carolina on March 27.
The person reported the complaint to members of the ECU athletics staff, including athletic director Jon Gilbert, via email.
“While observing from the first base dugout area, I saw the UAB head coach punch a player in the dugout. Following the incident, I noticed the player began to tear up, appearing to be in physical pain or distress… I wanted to bring this matter to your attention for further review,” the email stated.
The allegations have shocked many people around college sports, especially since softball programs usually market themselves as one big supportive family.
Other shocking alleged behavior included a dangerous preseason conditioning workout players were made to push assistant coach Anna Shelnutt’s vehicle and then run in front of it to stop it with just their body weight.
One current member of the softball team told SI that Smartt “forced” Shelnutt to put her Toyota 4Runner in neutral for the drill, and in one instance, it nearly led to one player getting hit by the car.
“One of my teammates almost got, like, actually ran over doing it. She tripped and fell, and the car almost went over her,” the player said.
The issues raised also included a claim that Smartt had an inappropriate relationship with a player.
Honestly, the accusations paint a picture of a program where fear and intimidation may have become normal. That is the exact opposite of what college athletics is supposed to be about.
In a statement to SI, UAB said that the university was “committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive experience for our student athletes.”
“When concerns are brought to our attention, we take appropriate steps to investigate them. Employment matters are handled between the institution and employees,” the statement added.
And if these claims turn out to be true, then UAB’s softball program may need a complete culture reset faster than a team trying to avoid relegation.
