LSU has issued a statement regarding the "resignation" of Pokey Chatman.  Here is that statement:

BATON ROUGE – Since Pokey Chatman resigned from LSU last week, the University has been committed to protecting the appropriate privacy interests of individuals involved.  Regrettably, speculation about the resignation prompts LSU to release further information pertaining to the circumstances surrounding the departure of Chatman from the LSU women’s basketball program.

LSU’s obligation to protect employees’ privacy interests has limited and continues to limit the scope of the University’s comments on personnel matters.

"The best interests of the young women on our basketball team is our utmost priority," said LSU Chancellor Sean O'Keefe.  "We acted responsibly to encourage a resolution of this unfortunate situation.  In that regard, Coach Chatman made the right decision."

In mid-February allegations regarding head coach Pokey Chatman were brought to the attention of the University.  The allegations involved no current student-athletes. 

"Any allegation pertaining to the coach/student-athlete relationship calls into account the trust the University and parents place in the coaches of sports teams," O'Keefe said.  "It is a fundamental principle that coaches are caretakers and surrogate parents to the student-athletes."

The allegations appropriately were communicated to University officials by assistant coach Carla Berry who recently acquired the information.

"I admire Carla Berry for having the fortitude to bring forward this information," said LSU senior associate athletic director and LSU senior woman administrator Judy Southard.  "I can say, without reservation, that Coach Berry acted with heartfelt interests for her alma mater and the student-athletes at LSU."

Pending a review to assure that the privacy interests of all were protected, it was determined that an athletic department administrator would accompany the team on future road trips until the matter was resolved.

Following the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament, Berry chose to meet with Chatman and made her aware that University officials had been notified of the allegations.

"I commend Coach Berry for her actions, including her disclosure to Coach Chatman of her knowledge of the allegations and the action she had taken," said Southard.  "Having been a teammate and assistant to Coach Chatman for many years, this has been no easy task for Carla.  She did it because of her commitment to our student-athletes."

On Wednesday, March 7, representatives of Chatman met with a University representative to discuss the matter.  The meeting resulted in the resignation of Chatman, effective at the end of the season.

On Thursday, March 78 Chatman met with the women's basketball staff and discussed if she should continue to coach the team.  Chatman determined it would be in the best interests of the team to step away from coaching immediately.

Bob Starkey was named acting head coach for the NCAA Tournament, and will be assisted by Berry, Christie Sides and Joe Carvalhido.

“Bob Starkey, Carla Berry, Christie Sides and Joe Carvalhido are consummate professionals who represent LSU well, and who will give the Lady Tigers tremendous leadership during the NCAA Tournament,” said Southard.

The University will not release the names of any individuals referred to in the inquiry.  The University requested and received the consent of Carla Berry to include her name in this release of information.

"Coach Chatman brought great distinction to this University and herself for her athletic accomplishments as a player and coach, and for her service to the community.  For that she gained the respect of many,” said O’Keefe.  “In the same regard, Coach Berry acted responsibly, and we value the important role she has played in the interests of our student-athletes.”