Disturbing allegations are surfacing against Taylor Smartt after a shocking report accused the University of Alabama Birmingham softball coach of racist comments, emotional abuse, dangerous team punishments, and even physical aggression toward players.
According to a report published by Sports Illustrated, multiple student-athletes, parents, and people connected to the softball program described what they called a toxic environment surrounding the team.
The allegations come after Smartt reportedly “stepped back” from the program last month.
One former player’s mother claimed the coach repeatedly targeted her daughter with racist remarks, verbal abuse, and body shaming.
Lindsey Dupree told Sports Illustrated that her daughter, former player Aubrey Dupree, suffered emotional and mental abuse while playing under Smartt.
In messages shared with the outlet, Aubrey allegedly described the coach as “manipulative” and said the treatment made her question her worth “as a player, a friend, and just as a human.”
Another parent reportedly claimed her daughter was told by Smartt to stop associating with her “charred” friends — a comment now being criticized as racially offensive.
The report also included allegations of physical abuse.
According to Sports Illustrated, a complaint was filed after someone allegedly witnessed Smartt punch one of her own players inside the dugout during a March 27 game against East Carolina University.
The witness reportedly emailed ECU athletic officials, saying the player appeared to be crying and in visible distress after the incident.
“I saw the UAB head coach punch a player in the dugout,” the complaint allegedly stated.
Other accusations described what players called dangerous preseason conditioning drills.
One current player claimed athletes were forced to push assistant coach Anna Shelnutt’s Toyota 4Runner before running in front of the moving SUV and attempting to stop it using their body weight.
According to the player, one teammate nearly got seriously hurt during the drill.
“She tripped and fell, and the car almost went over her,” the player reportedly said.
The report also included allegations that Smartt maintained an inappropriate relationship with a player.
According to one complaint, a player allegedly walked in on Smartt and another person connected to the program in a compromising situation with a teammate.
The complaint further claimed the coach had an unusually close personal relationship with one player, including allegedly staying overnight at the athlete’s residence.
In response to the report, University of Alabama at Birmingham released a statement saying the school is committed to providing student-athletes with a “safe, respectful, and positive experience.”
The university added that when concerns are brought forward, they are taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
At this time, no official disciplinary action tied to the allegations has been publicly announced.
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