UW strength and conditioning coach resigns amid racial slur investigation

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Erik Helland, director of strength and conditioning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, resigned on Thursday, Feb. 6, according to UW Athletics.

The administration was informed last weekend that Helland used a racial slur in the presence of multiple Wisconsin men's basketball athletes while recounting a story from earlier in his NBA career.

He was placed on administrative leave on Monday and did not travel with the team to Minnesota for the team's game Wednesday.

In a statement made Wednesday, Feb. 5, Senior Associate Athletic Director Justin Doherty said:

"UW athletics administration was made aware of an allegation Sunday afternoon and has already taken measures to address it. Anytime we are made aware of an allegation of any kind, it is handled with the utmost seriousness. There is absolutely no place in UW athletics for the type of behavior being alleged."

The administration says there is no evidence that Helland directed racially insensitive language toward any member of the men's basketball team.