Ex-Oakland U. coach denies allegations against her

BLOOMFIELD HILLS (AP) -- Oakland University's former women's basketball coach says she's trying to understand why the school fired her. Beckie Francis was fired by the 19,000-student school June 12. That same day, her husband Gary Russi announced his retirement as university president. Oakland said that Francis physically and emotionally abused players, obsessed about their weight and pushed Christian beliefs on them. But Francis denies the allegations. "I enjoyed my time at Oakland," Francis told The Detroit News for a recent story. "It was like it was our family. I loved my players. It's very sad. I loved the university. I poured my heart and soul in that place." Francis said there were no hints of problems within the team, and no player ever came to her with issues regarding religion or diet. "No players ever complained to me, no assistant coaches. There were no warnings. I have captains, and we talk about normal issues that teams have every year. But nothing of this magnitude. Nothing of these issues that have been out" in the public. "I never pushed religion or Christianity on anybody," Francis said. Oakland athletic director Tracy Huth has declined to speak in detail about Francis or the circumstances of her firing. Published: Fri, Dec 27, 2013