Wisconsin Strength Coach Resigns Following Alleged Use of Racial Epithet

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's strength and conditioning coach resigned Thursday.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's strength and conditioning coach resigned Thursday. / Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

After a report earlier this week stated University of Wisconsin-Madison strength and conditioning coach Erik Helland used a racial epithet when speaking to his players, he has resigned from his position.

According to the University's Athletic Department, Helland was recounting a story from his NBA career in which he quoted someone else who had used a racial slur while in the presence of several men's basketball players.

An earlier report stated that he had used the slur towards a specific player, Kobe King, who announced his transfer from the team on Jan. 31, but Wisconsin's statement refuted that claim.

Helland joined the program in 2013 after an extended stint with the Chicago Bulls. Helland helped the team to consecutive Final Four appearances in 2014 and 2015 under Bo Ryan.

This was a good move by the program, as there is no room for any such language in college basketball or society as a whole.