JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — East Tennessee State athletic director Scott Carter resigned on Monday, as the Bucs announced plans to fire women’s basketball coach Simon Harris over complaints about the title IX in his only season.
Harris was suspended with pay on Monday until his dismissal becomes official on Aug. 15.
Two former players filed a Title IX lawsuit this spring, alleging discrimination and unfair treatment, prompting an immediate investigation by the East Tennessee State Compliance Office. A final report was given to these former players on Monday morning.
“The findings outlined in the report have me seriously concerned, as they paint a picture of the unconscionable behavior of Coach Harris that is in direct contradiction to the mission and values of the institution,” said the president of the ETSU, Brian Noland. “The report details multiple ethical and political violations and raises questions regarding potential breaches of NCAA rule compliance.”
Noland said he ordered an investigation into whether NCAA rules were violated. An interim coach will be appointed.
Harris, who went 6-22 during his brief tenure as head coach, can appeal. Harris has been ordered not to interact with current or potential players or anyone else in the athletic department. Harris was an assistant at Ohio State before being hired by ETSU. He was an assistant coach at North Carolina State between 2018 and 2020 and spent seven years at Dayton.
Carter had been at East Tennessee State since 2013 before being named athletic director in 2017. Richard “Doc” Sander, the man Carter replaces, will serve as interim athletic director until a replacement is named.
