Two weeks ago, the Marquette Golden Eagles reported violations within their men’s basketball program to the NCAA.
On Friday, news broke that the university had fired assistant coach Scott Monarch for the violations and in addition, the athletic department suspended head coach Buzz Williams for the first Big East game of the season.
Monarch was found to have provided misleading information regarding giving apparel and transportation to a recruit during the course of an investigation.
Monarch, who spent time as a a head coach at the junior college level prior to joining Williams staff, was seemingly made an example of due to the school’s decision to part ways. The violations that were reported are secondary in nature, but regardless a negative effect that the school does not want to be associated with.
Williams has had terrific success as the head man for the Golden Eagles, continuously posing a threat within the rugged Big East Conference.
“When I was allowed to review the report earlier this week, I was deeply saddened to learn of an error in judgment of one of my assistants and closest friends,” Buzz Williams said in a statement. “I take personal responsibility for what happens in this program and realize we must be role models to both our team and the entire University. Our commitment has always been and will always be to operate this program at the highest level of integrity in the Marquette and Jesuit tradition.”
In four seasons at Marquette, Williams has compiled a 96-44 record overall and qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each season. The Golden Eagles have advanced to back-to-back Sweet 16s, yet are looking to replace both Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom in 2012-13.
Williams recently hired former DePaul head coach Jerry Wainwright as the program’s Director of Basketball Operations. Wainwright may have the opportunity to move up the coaching staff if the school decides to replace Monarch from within.
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