Seattle University head men’s basketball coach Jim Hayford has been placed on administrative leave by the school.

Director of Athletics Shaney Fink released the following statement over the weekend:

“Men’s basketball coach Jim Hayford was placed on administrative leave Friday, November 5. As this is a personnel matter, the Athletics Department will have no further comment at this time.”

According to Jeff Goodman, Hayford used the “N-word” during a scrimmage on Thursday, and also once during the summer. The report states that the latest incident occurred after a black player used the word during a scrimmage and was called into question by an official. Goodman reports that Hayford repeated the word, by asking the player “Did you say the N-word?”

According to the report, Hayford later apologized to the team, but several players are refusing to play for him. 

Assistant coach Chris Victor will assume the role of interim head coach while the investigation by the college takes place.

Hayford has put together a 64-55 (.538) record during his four seasons at Seattle. He has previously been the head coach at Eastern Washington (2011-17), Whitworth (2001-11), and Sioux Falls (99-01).

More on this story as it develops.