Cincinnati men’s basketball coach John Brannen has been placed on paid administrative leave by the university.

Cincinnati released the following statement earlier today:

Last week, Cincinnati announced that in conjunction with “independent fact finders, they will commence a review of allegations related to its men’s basketball program. The University has always put the welfare of its student-athletes first. We feel this is an essential step to ensure that all of our athletic programs meet the highest standards.”

The investigation reportedly involves the mass exodus of players in to the transfer portal. Currently, the Bearcats would only return four scholarship players from their 2020-21 squad.

In two seasons at Cincinnati, Brannen has complied a 32-21 (.604) record. Before being hired at UC, he spent four seasons as the head coach at nearby Northern Kentucky, and also served as the interim head coach at Alabama in 2014-15.

More on this story as it continues to develop.