The text messages appeared in a “GroupMe Chat” under “Sophmores rule.” The texts were not sent to the freshmen and were sent only to those who had openly expressed their hate for their freshmen teammates. The Post-Examiner obtained 16 pages of text screenshots. The dates of all the texts are not known, but appear to be recent because some refer to upcoming games that have yet to be played.

...

"A player discovered the text messages on March 6 and immediately turned it over to the coaches, who gave it to the school authorities. The UMBC administration waited five more days – allowing the players to continue to practice with each other before taking any disciplinary action, according to parents and sources familiar with the athletic program.

The players were suspended nearly an hour before their Wednesday game against Drexel, but were allowed to sit in the bleachers where parents said they applauded as their freshmen teammates were knocked to the ground. The freshmen led UMBC to victory, beating Drexel, 17 -10, improving the Retrievers’ record to 4-3."

...

"Parents said while they waited for the administration to act, Giro had held non-contact practices and separated the groups to avoid contact. Parents speaking under the condition their name not be used, praised Giro for his efforts, but are frustrated Athletics Director Tim Hall  has since decided to separate Giro from the team for an undisclosed amount of time when Giro appeared to be the only one doing anything about the situation. Hall did not return calls for comment.

The parents say the texts appear to be a deliberate effort to try to get Giro fired for playing his first recruiting class over sophomores and upperclassmen.

For Giro’s efforts to protect the team, two of the suspended players refer to Giro as 'Hitler Tony,' according to the texts."

Official UMBC Statement: “Five women’s lacrosse players have been suspended from the team for violation of team rules.  The Athletic Director and other University leaders are following all applicable policies and practices as we work to fully understand the situation and support our student athletes” 

UMBC's been getting some press coverage lately, huh?