Cincinnati coach John Brannen on leave amid school inquiry

<p>CINCINNATI &mdash; The University of Cincinnati on Saturday put basketball coach John Brannen on paid leave pending an investigation after six Bearcats players decided to transfer last month.</p>
<p>The school announced March 26 that it had launched an investigation amid reports that a rift between Brannen and players had led to the requested transfers. Among the six who entered the transfer portal during a week in March were four members of the 2020 freshman class.</p>
<p>The Bearcats finished 12-11 in Brannen’s second year at Cincinnati after a 20-10 season in 2019-20. He previously coached Northern Kentucky.</p>
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