Evansville basketball coach Walter McCarty, who was placed on administrative leave Friday, has hired Indianapolis attorney Jon Little to represent him.

Little has been the lawyer in other cases involving sports figures. He represented track coach Craig Jordan, who reached a settlement from Greencastle High School, and a former gymnast seeking compensation from USA Gymnastics in the Larry Nassar case.

A national law firm is conducting an independent investigation into whether McCarty, 45, violated Title IX policy. The law states no one should be discriminated against on the basis of sex in any educational programs that receive federal funding. Title IX violations do not require a student to be involved. McCarty’s accuser could be a staff member.

In a statement, Little said:

“Last week, Coach McCarty was directed by UE officials to refrain from publicly commenting on the ongoing investigation. Coach McCarty would like nothing more than to publicly clear his name, but he respects UE's policies and its private investigatory process. As Coach McCarty cooperates with the investigation, he remains grateful for the support received from both the UE and Evansville communities.”

UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz wrote in a letter to faculty and staff that the university had received reports of “unwelcome conduct” by McCarty since he was hired in March 2018.

McCarty signed a five-year contract, believed to be for about $250,000 annually. He led the Purple Aces to one of their most momentous victories ever when they upset No. 1 Kentucky 67-64 on Nov. 12. They were 11-21 in McCarty’s first year and are 9-4 this season.

Bennie Seltzer, a former Samford head coach, is Evansville’s interim head coach.

Contact IndyStar reporter David Woods at david.woods@indystar.com or call 317-444-6195. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007. Chad Lindskog of the Courier & Press contributed to this report.