WVU places DC on administrative leave after player shares story of mistreatment

West Virginia placed defensive coordinator Vic Koenning on administrative leave after safety Kerry Martin Jr. shared his stories of mistreatment.

"I want to thank Kerry Martin for having the courage to bring this concerns to light," school athletic director Shane Lyons said in a statement Tuesday. "We will not tolerate any form of racism, discrimination, or bias on our campus, including our athletic programs. Coach Vic Koenning has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately, and the department will work with the appropriate parties to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. This is serious, and we will act appropriately and in the best interests of our student-athletes."

Martin shared his experiences with Koenning in a series of tweets.

Martin referenced a position meeting interaction on Monday in which Koenning allegedly shared a conversation he had with his son, stating if protesters didn't want to be hit with tear gas or pushed back, then they shouldn't be protesting. After the meeting, Koenning attempted to apologize to Martin and clarify his remarks.

Martin said many on the team are uncomfortable around the coach.

"My teammates and I have been dealing with these situations for a while and there has also been occasions with him and another staff member," he said.

"I have not told anyone else this that is not my family member or involved with my family for because I didn't want to bring negativity to the program, but with everything going on and for him to still act this way and feel OK with saying what he said is not OK. Enough is enough."