A Florida International University women's basketball team captain who has accused her coach of sexual misconduct was the subject of a criminal theft investigation and had been suspended just days before the allegations were made, university officials said Thursday.
FIU police opened the investigation into Destini Feagin on or about Feb. 15 and she was suspended on Feb. 23, according to a press release from the university.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Feagin accused head coach Marlin Chinn of pursuing a sexual relationship with her all season. Feagin reported him to FIU's athletics administration as well as filed an NCAA complaint, the Miami Herald reported.
Chinn has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation, which has started under Title IX guidelines and NCAA by-laws, according to the university release.
"The University has a responsibility to ensure that our classrooms, athletic fields and all of our campuses are free from any form of harassment and that all of our students, as well as faculty and staff, feel safe so that our learning community can thrive. We also have a responsibility to investigate any and all claims reported to the University while we ensure fairness and due process to all involved," the university's release read. "We want to reiterate that at FIU there is no tolerance for misconduct by an employee or a student. We will pursue the truth to the best of our abilities while supporting the victims and ensuring due process for all involved."
Feagin told the Herald she was suspended for four games as punishment for resisting Chinn's sexual advances. She claims he told her "I have sexual fantasies about you," the Herald report said.
Feagin also claims she unknowingly participated in a possible NCAA violation when Chinn loaned her $600 in December.
