Wisconsin clears former coach Bo Ryan of misusing UW resources in alleged affair

MADISON -- The University of Wisconsin says it has cleared former basketball coach Bo Ryan of allegations that he had misused school resources while having an "improper personal relationship" with a woman.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank said in a statement Friday that Ryan was cleared in May following an investigation by athletics and the Office of Legal Affairs. The investigation was trigged by allegations received by the school in February 2015 from a woman.

Ryan, who is married, retired abruptly following a game on Dec. 15, 2015. His departure "was entirely his decision," Blank said.

The investigation was first reported by Deadspin on Saturday.

An email sent by the AP to Ryan's attorney seeking comment from the retired coach was not immediately returned on Saturday evening.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank released this statement Saturday, March 5th:

"In February 2015, the University of Wisconsin—Madison received allegations related to the possible misuse of university resources and personal conduct of former Head Basketball Coach Bo Ryan. Prior to that, Coach Ryan had disclosed to the university that he had had an improper personal relationship with a person unaffiliated with the university.

The university’s Office of Legal Affairs and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics performed a thorough review after receiving this information. In this case, and in all others, the university takes conduct allegations seriously, reviews them thoroughly and takes action, when appropriate. These allegations did not involve any other member of the campus community beyond Bo Ryan.

The university determined on May 13, 2015, that Ryan did not utilize university resources during the course of the relationship in question. The university concluded the issue was a private matter. Bo Ryan’s resignation on Dec. 15, 2015, was entirely his decision."