Updated at 5:55 p.m.
The University of North Carolina has placed its women's basketball coaching staff on administrative leave following the launch of an investigation into the program's culture, according to a news release issued Monday by the UNC-Chapel Hill Athletic Department.
The statement released by the department said Charlotte-based firm law Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein will "conduct the review and assess the culture of the women’s basketball program and the experience of [their] student-athletes."
The department identified "issues raised by student-athletes and others" as the reason for investigation without giving specific details.
"The University of North Carolina is committed to the well-being of our student-athletes and to ensuring that they have the best experience possible in and outside of competition," it read.
Coach Sylvia Hatchell issued a statement via her lawyers stating she will "cooperate fully in this review" and that she looks "forward to a prompt conclusion of this matter."
The UNC-Chapel Hill Athletic Department did not provide a deadline for the completion of the investigation but ensured "the review will be thorough and prompt."
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