A shocking report has shed light on alleged abuse, mistreatment, and racism within the UAB Blazers softball program at the hands of head coach Taylor Smartt. Smartt, who has not been with the team for several weeks, faces allegations from multiple players and parents that were made public in a Sports Illustrated report.
Allegations of Racism and Verbal Abuse
Among the claims, the mother of player Auburn Dupree stated that Smartt repeatedly subjected her daughter to mental and verbal abuse, including body shaming and racially insensitive comments about her braided hairstyle, which the coach referred to as "jailhouse braids." Another player reported that Smartt told her to stop associating with her "charred" friends.
Physical Abuse Allegations
Smartt is also accused of physical abuse. A report filed after a game against East Carolina detailed an eyewitness account of Smartt punching a player in the dugout. The witness noted that the player began to tear up and appeared to be in physical pain or distress.
Dangerous Conditioning Practices
Players alleged that Smartt employed hazardous conditioning drills, such as making them tread water until they felt they "were going to die" and ordering them to push an assistant coach's SUV. One athlete recounted a teammate nearly being run over during a drill where they were told to stop the vehicle with their body weight.
Food Manipulation and Threats
Smartt was accused of using food as a control tactic, withholding meals after losses, providing Lunchables as primary meals, and reducing airport meal allowances from $25 to $10, forcing players to share food. Additionally, players claimed Smartt repeatedly threatened to "loosen their buttholes" with her fingers.
Inappropriate Relationships
The most startling allegation emerged from an April 24 meeting involving parents, players, athletic director Mark Ingram, and other UAB executives. A complaint described an incident where Smartt, Director of Operations Julie Money, and a student athlete were allegedly found "on the couch in her apartment in a compromising position." The complaint also stated that Smartt maintained an inappropriately close relationship with a specific player, including sleeping over at the player's residence.
University Response
UAB Athletics issued a statement saying, "Taylor Smartt has taken a step back from the program. We will make further comment when it's appropriate. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive experience for our student athletes. When concerns are brought to our attention, we take appropriate steps to investigate them."
The Daily Mail was unable to reach Smartt for comment. UAB Athletics confirmed that Julie Money's title of Director of Operations was unofficial, as she was a volunteer not paid by the university, but she was heavily involved with the team.
