UL-Lafayette fires longtime softball coach Michael Lotief

The University of Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday announced the firing of longtime softball coach Michael Lotief following complaints from students and staff. Lotief subjected “student-athletes and coworkers to violent, vulgar language and verbal and physical assault, creating a hostile learning and working environment,” university officials said in a press release.

“Behavior of this nature will not be tolerated,” University President Joseph Savoie is quoted as saying in the press release. Savoie commended the students’ “great courage” in coming forward. The press release did not provide any details about specific incidents.