Penn State's Pat Chambers Resigns, New Allegations After 'Noose' Comments
Penn State's Pat Chambers Resigns as Hoops Coach New Allegations After 'Noose' Comments
Penn State basketball coach Pat Chambers resigned Wednesday -- following an investigation into new allegations of misconduct.
The University says the new allegations were made following a report by The Undefeated back in July that Chambers made racially insensitive comments to a black player.
The player, Rasir Bolton, told The Undefeated that Chambers made a comment to him referencing a metaphorical "noose" back in 2019.
Bolton claims Chambers approached him and said, "I want to be a stress reliever for you. You can talk to me about anything. I need to get some of this pressure off you. I want to loosen the noose that's around your neck."
Bolton said of Chambers' comment, "Due to other interactions with Coach, I knew this was no slip of the tongue."
At the time the article came out, Chambers issued a statement saying, "I failed to comprehend the experiences of others, and the reference I made was hurtful, insensitive and unacceptable. I cannot apologize enough for what I said, and I will carry that forever."
The player transferred from PSU to Iowa State shortly after the incident.
Penn State says "new allegations surfaced shortly after" the article came out -- so an investigation was launched into Chambers by Penn State's Affirmative Action and Athletics Integrity offices.
The school did not release the details regarding the new allegations.
But, Chambers issued a statement Wednesday saying he would be resigning.
"This has been an incredibly difficult year for me and my family, and we are in need of a break to reset and chart our path forward," chambers said.
"So, I’m taking a step back to prepare myself for the next 20 years."
The 49-year-old coach had been at Penn State since 2011.
Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said the school accepted the resignation -- saying it was "in the best interest of Penn State, our program and our student-athletes."