Drake basketball Coach Tom Abatemarco resigned and...

Drake basketball Coach Tom Abatemarco resigned and an assistant coach was fired after an internal investigation found mistreatment of players and NCAA rules violations. Eddie Fields, an assistant coach who replaced Abatemarco earlier this month, became interim coach.

Tom Butler, an assistant coach, was fired because he allegedly tried to influence a witness in the investigation and refused to cooperate in the committee’s work.

The committee found that Butler had written classroom assignments for at least two players and that players were allowed to make free long-distance phone calls, both rules violations.

Drake President Michael Ferrari said the committee concluded that Abatemarco knew nothing of the NCAA violations but that he used language and engaged in conduct demeaning to players, assistant coaches and trainers.