Police report details allegations from player against MSU softball staff
Prosecutors in both Ingham and Isabella (Mich.) counties are reviewing allegations that Michigan State softball coaches intentionally hit former player Alyssa McBride with balls during batting practice, according to a police report obtained by the Detroit News.
The report, which the Detroit News obtained in full for the first time Monday night, also shows text messages from assistant coach Jessica Bograkos who says she's hit "hundreds of players" over the years in practice.
McBride was hit by pitches in two separate practices in the wake of making an off-the-record comment to a reporter that was critical of coaches, the News said.
The team's sports information director caught wind of the comments and relayed them back to head coach Jacquie Joseph, the report said.
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A team manager texted McBride that he overheard Joseph telling Bograkos that Bograkos could hit McBride, but that if Joseph hit McBride it would be considered "coach retaliation."
Joseph issued a statement categorically denying all allegations.
Attorneys for Bograkos sent McBride and her stepfather a cease and desist letter that categorized McBride's allegations as defamatory.
County prosecutors will determine what, if any punishment, to level against the coaches in the coming days.
Michigan State is initiating its own, separate investigation.
