Allegations Against UAB Softball Coach Taylor Smart
Serious accusations have surfaced regarding Taylor Smart, head coach of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s softball team, with allegations of racist remarks and both mental and physical abuse directed at players.
Last month, Smart “took a step back” from his role within the program. A report by Sports Illustrated outlines various accounts from student-athletes, parents, and others connected to the team, revealing troubling conduct by the coach.
Lindsay Dupree, mother of former player Aubrey Dupree, shared that her daughter experienced “mental and verbal abuse” from Smart, who allegedly made racist comments and engaged in body shaming.
Aubrey described Smart as “manipulative” and expressed doubts about her self-worth as both an athlete and a person in a text to SI.
Another parent recounted how Smart advised her daughter to distance herself from friends that he deemed to be undesirable.
Additionally, reports of physical abuse arose after an incident during a game against East Carolina on March 27, where an individual witnessed Smart striking a player. The observer later alerted ECU athletic department officials.
The email detailing the observation stated, “While watching from the dugout, I noticed the UAB head coach strike a player. Afterward, I could see the player was in distress and on the verge of tears… I felt it was necessary to report this.”
Further allegations indicated that players were made to push an assistant coach’s car during strenuous pre-season training, leading to dangerous situations where one player nearly got hit.
A current team member recounted that Smart forced the assistant coach to put her vehicle in neutral for training, which resulted in a teammate almost being run over.
There were also claims about inappropriate relationships between Smart and players, including a report of a player walking in on him in a questionable situation with a teammate and staff member.
In response to the allegations, UAB issued a statement assuring that the university prioritizes a “safe, respectful, and positive experience for our student-athletes.” They emphasized their commitment to investigating any raised concerns and handling employment matters internally.
