Former Hinsdale Central star Brian Wardle being investigated for player mistreatment as UW Green Bay basketball coach

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has opened an investigation of men’s basketball coach Brian Wardle after the school received a complaint from the parents of a former player, alleging mistreatment, according to media reports.

The family of a second UWGB player who played under Wardle last season sent a letter to UWGB Chancellor Thomas Harden alleging mistreatment. The first complaint against Wardle came April 11 while news of the second complaint came Monday.

The university, according to reports, said an outside agency will investigate the accusations made against Wardle, a former standout at Hinsdale Central High School who continued his career at Marquette University.

The Green Bay Press Gazette cited sources that said the initial accusation included verbal and emotional mistreatment by Wardle, but not physical. Wardle will be allowed to continue working during the investigation.

The news of accusations against Wardle comes a week after Rutgers University fired men’s basketball coach Mike Rice after video surfaced of him verbally and physically abusing players.

Wardle has compiled a 47-49 record in three seasons as head coach at UWGB and is coming off an 18-16 season with the Phoenix. Wardle was the youngest basketball coach in Division I at age 30 when he was hired in 2010.