Resigning coaches deny wrongdoing

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- La Salle men's basketball coach Billy Hahn and women's coach John Miller have resigned amid two separate rape investigations involving players on the men's team.
Both coaches were placed on administrative leave July 6 following an investigation that resulted in rape charges against former players Michael Cleaves and Gary Neal, and a claim by a former women's player who came forward following those allegations claiming she was sexually assaulted by a men's team player but was discouraged from telling police by La Salle coaches.
"This is a complex situation and not a judgment on the personal character of the coaches, but the university's policies and procedures are clear," Brother Michael J. McGinniss, the school's president, said at a news conference Saturday. "When it comes to the safety of our students and our community, there is no room for personal interpretation of our rules."
McGinniss read a statement but took no questions from reporters.
The coaches did not attend the news conference, but in a telephone interview Miller denied any wrongdoing.
"I in no way discouraged one of my players from going forward publicly with any kind of rape allegation," Miller said.
When the former player came to him confidentially, Miller said, he told her he would do anything to help her and also asked her to seek counseling at the university.
"She did not want any of this to become public at the time," he said.
Hahn was 37-53 in three seasons at La Salle. Last season, the Explorers finished 10-20 and 5-11 in the Atlantic 10.
Miller coached the Explorers for 18 seasons, going 317-203 with two NCAA tournament appearances including a 15-13 record last season. His .610 winning percentage was second all-time at La Salle.