Sports

OU Dismissal: Coach Beckie Francis Canned For 'Malfeasance'

June 22, 2013, 8:52 AM

There's more to the Oakland University dismissal of women's basketball coach Beckie Francis than it  disclosed last week.


Unspecified "conduct and behavior" by Beckie Francis is behind her firing.
[Photo from Fox 2 News]

She was booted after an investigation of "“indications of conduct and behavior . . . that if true could be malfeasance," says a statement given to The Oakland Press.

An internal review was launched, and on May 30, Francis was suspended without pay pending further review by Oakland University’s general counsel, according to the statement.

Intrigue remains, as no hints are given about conduct and behavior "could be malfeasance."

The athletic department issued a four-sentence statement June 12 that began: "Beckie Francis has been relieved of her position."

Hours earlier, her husband -- Oakland University President Gary Russi -- announced that he'd step down Aug. 1, reporter Paul Kampe writes in The Press.

The ex-coach on Friday declined to share "my views with respect to recent events regarding my employment," the article adds. "it has always been in my nature to stay positive.”

In 13 seasons at OU, Francis had a 227-162 record at Oakland and took the Golden Grizzlies to the NCAA tournament twice, . She was named conference coach of the year twice in her tenure at Oakland. 


Read more:  The Oakland Press


Leave a Comment:

Photo Of The Day