University of Wisconsin coach resigns after allegedly using a racial epithet around student-athletes

Erik Helland, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s longtime strength and conditioning coach for the men’s basketball team, has resigned from the program.

An investigation by the university discovered that Helland had used a racial epithet while recounting a story from his NBA career while in the presence of a number of basketball student-athletes.

Helland did not return a phone call requesting comment from CNN.

“UW Athletics works to promote a safe and welcoming environment for its student-athletes and staff and the aforementioned language used does not align with the values of the athletic department, men’s basketball program or the university,” the university said in a statement.

Helland was placed on administrative leave on Monday and did not travel with the team to Minnesota for the team’s game on Wednesday.

There were reports that the team’s second-leading scorer, Kobe King, decided to transfer from the program due to a racial epithet directed at him.

However, the University of Wisconsin’s Athletics program refuted that report.

“UW Athletics has no evidence — nor has it been alleged to the athletic department — that Helland directed racially insensitive language toward any member of the men’s basketball team,” the university said.