Kevin Ollie was fired from UConn, but he isn't going down without a fight.
Less than 24 hours after the school made the announcement, Ollie released a statement that outlines his plans to contest the university's decision to dismiss him for "just cause."
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UConn didn't reveal many details as to why it made the decision, but the move comes as the program is being investigated by the NCAA. Athletic director David Benedict said it's "unfortunate that this decision became necessary."
In Ollie's statement, which he sent to ESPN, the 45-year-old defended his conduct, saying his mission has always been to "nurture and develop young men" both on and off the court.
Ollie added: "This process has just begun, and I intend to work vigorously to defend my honor and my integrity, and to defend my good name to the fullest extent provided under the law, the university grievance procedures and the NCAA compliance process."
UConn went 14-18 this season, marking the Huskies’ second straight season with a losing record. However the team won the NCAA Tournament under Ollie in 2013-14.
The full statement from Ollie is below:
"The University of Connecticut, which has been my home and my family since I was 18 years of age, has decided to initiate the procedures to terminate my employment for cause, which I am contesting. As the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies, which is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life, I have always diligently promoted an atmosphere of compliance for all involved in the program, directly or indirectly. It has always been my creed to conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively on the university, my program and my family. My objective throughout my eight-year tenure has been to nurture and develop young men to be productive citizens, positive role models and active community leaders. I am confident that I have strived to model behaviors which are consistent with this objective. This process has just begun, and I intend to work vigorously to defend my honor and my integrity, and to defend my good name to the fullest extent provided under the law, the university grievance procedures and the NCAA compliance process."
