Winona State Investigating Complaint Against Ex-Coach Leaf
WINONA, Minn. (WCCO) — Winona State University is investigating a complaint against a former head basketball coach.
Mike Leaf abruptly resigned in June after 17 years as head coach.
The Winona Daily News reports that a former basketball player claimed Leaf made sexual advances toward him one night in June when the coach had been drinking.
According to the newspaper, the player went to Leaf's house on June 21 to talk about basketball. As the night went on, the player told the newspaper Leaf served him alcoholic drinks and would disappear every 45 minutes.
The player told the newspaper that at one point, "he [Leaf] reeked of alcohol". He also said "Leaf was touching his torso, his leg, his arm, and then began kissing his neck."
A representative for Winona State University told WCCO a complaint was filed against Leaf on June 21. He was placed on administrative leave on June 22, and then resigned later that week. The school is investigating the complaint.
The University released a statement that read in part: "Our top priority is the safety of our students."
Leaf was unavailable for comment.