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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Basketball assistant at Idaho put on leave

The University of Idaho has placed men’s basketball assistant coach Joe Ford on administrative leave pending an investigation into his conduct while he was an assistant at University of Pacific.

Pacific has hired an outside, independent investigator to look in to a possible inappropriate relationship Ford had with a female student-athlete while coaching at the school. This was first reported by CBS Sports.

The Stockton Record reports that Pacific’s Vice President for Student Life, Patrick Day, is overseeing the investigation.

The paper also reports that Ford and the alleged victim have said in interviews their three-year relationship was consensual.

Idaho coach Don Verlin hired Ford in July after he spent the last five seasons on the Pacific basketball staff. Pacific is coached by Verlin’s brother, Ron.

“The University of Idaho conducted a standard background check and contacted University of Pacific officials before offering the coaching position to Joe Ford,” Idaho spokeswoman Becky Paull said in a statement. “The background check and requisite reference calls did not reveal any issues of concern. Mr. Ford has been placed on administrative leave pending our review of this matter.”