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Jim Hayford resigns as Seattle U men's basketball coach after reported use of racial slur

The basketball coach had used a racial slur during a scrimmage

Jim Hayford.
Jim Hayford.AP
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A scandal rocked Seattle University. Men's basketball coach Jim Hayford resigned after players said he used a racial slur during a team fight.

Hayford had previously been placed on administrative leave.

"It is clear to me that Coach Hayford can no longer lead the team effectively," Seattle University athletic director Shaney Fink said in a statement announcing the decision.

According to the university's statement, Hayford was forced to leave the team after four seasons.

Chris Victor will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

What did Jim Hayford say?

Hayford's use of the racial slur was part of a broader "hostile" culture around the Redhawks program, said an anonymous source quoted in Goodman's report.

"Most of the players don't like him, so this was almost the straw that broke the camel's back," the source said. "It's very emotional, inflammatory. It can be a hostile environment."

According to Goodman, members of the Redhawks' team "refused to play" for Hayford after the hitting incident.

"A scandal rocked Seattle University. Men's basketball coach Jim Hayford resigned after players said he used a The University of Seattle has initiated a review of the climate within the program," he added.

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