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MSU internal investigation clears softball coaching staff, finds no misconduct

August 14, 2015
<p>Head coach Jacquie Joseph talks with junior catcher/outfielder Ellie Stoffer near the dugout during the game against Michigan on April 13, 2014, at Secchia Stadium at Old College Field. The Spartans were shut out by the Wolverines, 14-0. Danyelle Morrow/The State News</p>

Head coach Jacquie Joseph talks with junior catcher/outfielder Ellie Stoffer near the dugout during the game against Michigan on April 13, 2014, at Secchia Stadium at Old College Field. The Spartans were shut out by the Wolverines, 14-0. Danyelle Morrow/The State News

Photo by Danyelle Morrow | The State News

The university investigation into the MSU softball program has found no misconduct on behalf of head coach Jacquie Joseph and her coaching staff.

The internal investigation was launched after former softball player Alyssa McBride filed complaints that she was targeted with pitches in batting practice before two separate games.

McBride alleged that Joseph ordered assistant coach Jessica Bograkos to hit her with pitches during practice after word got around that McBride told a reporter, in what she believed was off the record, that she wished she played somewhere else, according to The Detroit News.

“MSU's internal investigation found no indication of any wrongdoing by members of the MSU softball coaching staff," MSU spokesperson Jason Cody said in a statement released on Tuesday. "There is no indication that the student-athlete in question was intentionally targeted to be hit by pitches. 

"There also is no evidence of retaliatory conduct on the part of any member of the MSU softball coaching staff. Investigators did not find any credible evidence supporting the allegations.”

MSU hired the law firm Miller Canfield to do the internal investigation. No criminal charges were filed in the police investigation.

“The safety of our student-athletes is our top priority, and we take all allegations seriously," MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis said. "I am pleased to learn the outcome of the investigation conducted by Miller, Canfield finding no wrongdoing by the coaching staff. The investigation was a difficult process for many involved, and I appreciate the patience and cooperation of all throughout.” 

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