Buckeyes address alleged violations
Assistant coach Klein, a top recruiter, resigns with probe underway.
Ohio State women’s basketball coach Kevin McGuff has a hole to fill on his staff after the resignation of long-time assistant Patrick Klein.
In a statement Friday, the university said it is investigating allegations of violations of NCAA rules and university policy within the program and has notified the NCAA.
With the statement and a resignation letter dated Aug. 2, Klein resigned, citing notification he may “have not adhered strictly to NCAA rules” as well as “communications with some student-athletes may have been too informal or in some cases even inappropriate, violating university policy.”
Along with an apology, Klein said in the letter, “I should have used better judgement” and stated a need to resign “and take time to reflect, spend time with my family and focus on the next chapter of my professional career,” citing the best interest of himself and the program.
Klein is a 2006 Ohio State graduate who served eight seasons as a full-time assistant at his alma mater, where he began as a student manager and progressed to student assistant and graduate assistant, all under Jim Foster.
McGuff retained Klein, who is regarded as a strong recruiter, after Foster was fired in 2013.
Three years ago, Klein was promoted to associate head coach, and he helped McGuff put together
continued from C1 a 2019 recruiting class ranked among the best in the nation.
Neither McGuff nor Klein immediately responded to requests for comment.
OSU finished 14-15 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten last season. Fairmont High School graduate and Buckeyes senior Makayla Waterman started all but three games, averaging 7.6 points and 5.3 rebounds.
Alter High School grad Braxtin Miller has joined the program after transferring from Oklahoma State. She averaged 13.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 58 starts over two seasons. A junior, Miller will sit out this coming season and have two seasons of eligibility with the Buckeyes. Contact this reporter at 937225-2396 or email Marcus. Hartman@coxinc.com.