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University Coach: School Fired Me For Discriminating Against Gay Players

"It’s way above my pay grade to be judgmental. It’s not part of who I am.”

Former Armstrong State University head coach Ted Evans was recently removed from his position amid rumors that he'd created a "discriminatory and hostile" environment for LGBT student athletes.

Evans (pictured below) was let go after 12 seasons coaching the university's female softball team, the Lady Pirates, who he led to 11 NCAA Division II tournament appearances. The announcement was made shortly after he returned from the Division II College World Series this past May.

"After careful consideration, the Armstrong State University athletic department has decided to part ways with head coach Ted Evans," began a statement released by the University Wednesday. It went on to thank Evans for his years of service and to say that the department hopes to build on his "recent success on the field."

Though the school declined to comment on speculation that Evans was removed for anti-LGBT behavior, he states that he was initially put on leave so that the school could launch an investigation into complaints they'd received from gay members of the team.

While Evans admits to sometimes being harsh with his players, he told the Savannah Morning News that he never lashed out because of a player's sexual orientation.

“I’ve never had a problem with them," he said. "I don’t care if you’re gay. I just want you to be happy and have a great life. It’s way above my pay grade to be judgmental. It’s not part of who I am.”

As part of the investigation, Evans says that he was interrogated for "two to three hours" about certain incidents that had occurred over the years. One particular episode involved Evans yelling at an openly gay outfielder after she failed to throw the ball to home in time to prevent the opposing team's score.

The 68-year-old coach holds firm to the fact that if he ever came down on a player, it was always for a specific reason associated with their handling of a situation in a game or practice, not as an act of discrimination.

Though he admits to being saddened and surprised by his removal, Evans said that he's "not walking away with a lot of bitter feelings."

"It’s been such a great experience for me to have worked with so many great kids," he concluded. "My life has been enhanced because of this job and who I’ve gotten to work with.”

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