The United States Air Force Academy has taken the significant step of suspending its head men's basketball coach, Joe Scott, with immediate effect. The suspension, announced on Saturday, is pending the outcome of an investigation into the treatment of cadet-athletes within the programme.
Investigation Launched Into Cadet Care
The academy provided a brief statement confirming the indefinite suspension but did not disclose any specific details regarding the nature of the allegations. The investigation will focus on how cadet-athletes have been treated under Scott's leadership. This development throws the Falcons' season into further turmoil amidst a challenging campaign.
Assistant Steps Up As Season Continues
With the team scheduled to host Nevada later on the same Saturday the suspension was announced, assistant coach Jon Jordan has been elevated to the role of interim head coach. He will lead the team for the foreseeable future while the inquiry is conducted.
Scott's second tenure at the Air Force helm has been difficult in terms of results. His overall record with the Falcons stands at 97 wins and 183 losses. The current season has been particularly tough, with the team managing only 3 victories against 14 defeats. This is Scott's sixth season back at the academy, having previously coached the team from 2000 to 2004.
A Coaching Career Under Scrutiny
Joe Scott's most notable success at Air Force came during his first stint, when he guided the Falcons to the NCAA Tournament in the 2003-04 season. That achievement earned him a move to Princeton, where he spent three seasons, followed by a nine-year tenure at the University of Denver.
After working as an assistant coach for several seasons, he returned to the Air Force Academy in 2020. His legacy, once defined by that historic tournament appearance, is now under a cloud as the academy examines the welfare of the cadets in his charge. The sports community awaits the findings of the investigation.
