Commonwealth Policy Center

University of Kentucky’s Cheerleading team has a national reputation second to none, winning 24 national titles in 35 years. But the program took a tumble after it was discovered the coaching staff allowed alcohol and public nudity at a team retreat. Hazing was also reported. The investigation found “lax oversight and poor judgment” by the coaches. And in one incident cheerleaders at the retreat performed a gymnastic routine called a “basket toss” where they hurled naked cheerleaders into the water within view of some of the coaches. Not a good look for any program. The coaching staff was promptly fired. We’re discovering a painful lesson, that there’s more to winning in the competitive arena and that any program must have a solid moral and ethical foundation in order to be truly successful. UK announced it’s undergoing a national search for a new head coach.