After the allegations
Women’s basketball coach Mike Dunavant’s tenure at EMU was brief and tumultuous.
He was hired in Aug. 1, 2001 and quickly stepped in to revamp a struggling program. Just as quickly as he came, Dunavant departed. He officially resigned on April 16, 2003.
He and his family relocated to Richmond following his resignation. Athletics department staff has had little contact with him since then.
"He is working on the Eastern Shore somewhere, I don’t know the site or company," said Director of Athletics Larry Martin. "I have not spoken with him since his resignation."
Dunavant’s resignation came in the wake of sexual harassment allegations that shook the community. The Dunavant family was a presence on the EMU campus. Josh Dunavant was an assistant coach on the women’s team, and Brandon Dunavant was the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Dunavant’s youngest son Sean frequented the University Commons and played a role in the EMU main stage production "The World is a Comedy."
The community responded when tragedy struck the Dunavant family on Aug. 19, 2002. Brandon Dunavant died from head and chest injuries sustained in a single car accident. A special chapel was planned for the late Dunavant. On Sept. 20 2002, Mike Dunavant thanked the EMU community for their thoughts and prayers and relayed a message of hope amidst the pain of a father losing a son.
Brandon’s death came in the wake of Dunavant’s fight against colon cancer; a fight he won despite long hours of work over the course of his first season at EMU. Dunavant was open about his battles and was quick to encourage others to overcome obstacles.
His departure came as shock to many. No team meeting was called after the allegations. A team dinner was cancelled.
"The school said there should be no player/coach relations until the issues had been resolved," said sophomore forward Stephanie Lane.
Four and a half months later no resolution has been reached. Players have moved on though. They are just excited to start a new season with a new coach.
Richard McElwee was hired as EMU’s head coach on Aug. 1. He had solid careers at Bath County High School and Auburn High School, where he coached both boys’ and girls’ basketball. This season will be his first collegiate coaching job. Players recruited by Dunavant are optimistic that McElwee can maintain a program on the rise.
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