Ladies Court - Women’s Basketball News and Analysis

Chicago Sky head coach resigns amid harrassment speculation

by Joe on March 13th, 2008

When I first got the alert this afternoon, I realized something was kind of fishy for a coach/GM to resign at this part of the off-season. Your first thoughts are either major personal problems or some kind of impropriety.

Looks like it might have been the latter.

Bo Overton abruptly resigned as head coach and general manager of the Chicago Sky on Wednesday amid internet speculation he might have been sexually harassing at least one of his players. The online claims came from a post at ChicagoSkyTalk.net.

From the Chicago Tribune:

But a flurry of recent activity on the WNBA team’s Internet message board included allegations of sexual harassment by Overton toward more than one of his players, prompting a post by (team president Margaret) Stender herself that apparently set the process in motion.

On Monday, Stender had acknowledged “the serious and alarming comments” posted on Chicagoskytalk.net. In her own message she urged anyone with knowledge of the situation to “share any evidence of any acts of sexual harassment” with her as soon as possible, offering both her e-mail address and office phone number.

There are so many weird parts of this story.

1. Margaret Stender making a post seeking insight into the allegation.
2. A message board prompting this “investigation.”

Now, back to the story:

Stender said Wednesday that the online allegations did not directly lead to Overton’s resignation, but she made it clear she took them seriously.

“The most important thing about [my] comment is that we unequivocally don’t condone any kind of inappropriate conduct, especially related to sexual harassment, so we were really trying to invite input,” she said.

I hate to be this blunt (well, I really don’t), but I don’t believe that for one second. I don’t know if it’s my cynicism being in the business I’m in or what exactly, but if the team president even sniffs around a message board (I believe they all do so, or if not, have somebody do it for them) and then responds to essentially baseless allegations without proof or a burden thereof, it opens up so many doors that the business side couldn’t close them fast enough.

Let’s give Bo the benefit of the doubt and presumption of innocence for the moment (well, until we know different, give it to him regardless). By having Stender respond and there being nothing — although she did choose her words very carefully — he’s got some pull now by having something thrown at the wall to see if it sticks.

Now, let’s say Stender is lying to the Tribune. First off, she has to. If she comes out with any information about any sexual harassment and the Sky knew any bit of it before this week, they’re toast for letting it go on and happen to one of their players.

By the way, assistant coach Steve Key was promoted to both positions following Overton’s departure.

Well, here’s pulling for Melissa Issacson of the Tribune to get some good leads and let us know the rest of the story. What are your thoughts? Drop a line in the comments.

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