UAB coach Taylor Smartt fired after allegations of…
UAB softball coach Taylor Smartt has been fired after a third-party investigation, practically two months after allegations of bodily and mental abuse surfaced.
Brieanna Young, the attorney who led the investigation, “determined there was sufficient evidence to find that Coach Smartt engaged in improper conduct and inappropriate behavior that violates UAB policies and certain NCAA rules and regulations,” according to USA Today.
Smartt first stepped away from this system in April.
Taylor Smartt (middle) was fired by UAB. Instagram / @tsmartt
On May 6, Sports Illustrated detailed the allegations of bodily and mental abuse toward Smartt’s gamers.
SI reported that Smartt allegedly made racist remarks and had an inappropriate relationship with a workers member and participant.
“Taylor Smartt will not return to UAB Softball, and Anna Shelnutt will serve as head coach on an interim basis while UAB Athletics conducts a search,” a UAB spokesperson told USA Today. “UAB is committed to providing a safe, respectful and positive experience for our student athletes. We have no further comment on this employment matter.”
Taylor Smartt was dealing with allegations of abuse.
Sports Illustrated reported that Smatt’s habits began when she turned UAB’s head coach in 2024.
Someone who spoke to SI said they walked in on Smartt, a participant and another individual related with this system in a compromising place.
Smartt allegedly maintained a relationship with a participant and slept over at the participant’s condo, SI reported.
UAB made the choice after an investigation. Chad Robertson – stock.adobe.com
Smartt also allegedly punched one of her gamers twice during a sequence at East Carolina in March. The ex-coach also allegedly would “threaten to loosen their buttholes with her fingers.”
“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,” ECU athletic director Jon Gilbert wrote in an e-mail.
Smartt’s offseason training was also introduced into query, with gamers alleging she would make them push Shelnutt’s Toyota 4Runner, then dash forward of it to make it stop.
Smartt joined UAB after working as the affiliate head coach at FAU.
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