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Students React To FIU Women's Basketball Coach's Firing Amid Investigation

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Florida International University has fired the head coach of the women's basketball team.

Coach Marlin Chinn was terminated Friday following allegations that he sexually harassed the senior captain of the basketball team, Destini Feagin.

FIU students that CBS4's Peter D'Oench spoke with are applauding the decision.

"They should be fired if they sexually harass people. You should be able to trust your coach," said FIU student Kevin Vallejo.

Another student, Julia Rodriguez, said, "If that's what's going on and there was this investigation, you don't want to be harassed by someone who is a creep."

On the same day they announced his termination, the school issued a statement on the matter, which read:

"Florida International University's Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia announced today that Head Women's Basketball Coach Marlin Chinn has been terminated for cause effective immediately.  The decision comes after Mr. Chinn admitted to University officials that he knowingly violated NCAA bylaws regarding impermissible benefits provided to a student-athlete. 

The NCAA violation he committed was in regards to a $600 loan he gave to Feagin.

The university said the investigation into other allegations made against Chinn will continue after his termination, including those made by Feagin.

Last month, FIU Police said they had been investigating Feagin in a criminal theft case that was opened February 15th.

"Based on information provided to the Athletic Department on February 22nd, the student-athlete was suspended from the women's basketball team the following day,"a letter sent by the school stated.

The school says following her suspension, Feagin reported the allegations against Chinn saying he sexually harassed her - prompting an investigation and Chinn's suspension.

Tiara Malcolm is now serving as the Interim Head Coach and a national search for a permanent head coach will begin immediately.

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