FORT COLLINS- Colorado State men’s basketball coach Larry Eustachy has often said that he would like to finish his career in green and gold. However, that day may be coming sooner than anticipated as the veteran head coach’s position may be in jeopardy.

According to multiple sources close to the situation, Eustachy is being investigated by the athletic department for his conduct. Athletic Director Joe Parker privately conducted individual interviews with players and coaches to discuss the matter and is expected to make a decision on Eustachy soon. Colorado State athletics confirmed the investigation on Wednesday through an official statement.

“We have started a climate assessment, which involves conversations with the students and staff members associated with the men’s basketball program,” said Joe Parker. “As always, we will not make any public comments until our process is complete and have no additional information to share at this time.”

It is unknown whether the investigation was sparked by one specific incident or rather a sequence of events but according to the inside sources, the vast majority of the players spoke out against Eustachy in their interviews, with only two players coming to support the veteran head coach.

Eustachy has long been a polarizing figure in the world of sports. One of the winningest coaches in the history of Division 1 basketball, Eustachy is the only head coach in history to lead five different Division 1 programs to 24-win seasons.

The 2000 Associated Press and U.S. Basketball Writers Association National Coach of the Year and the second winningest coach in CSU men’s basketball history, Eustachy’s accolades on the court could fill a small novel.

However, his behavior both on and off the court has long been questioned by the public. In 2017, a report from the Coloradoan showed that an internal investigation conducted by CSU (2012) showed that Eustachy “created a culture of fear and intimidation and emotionally abused his players.”

In January of 2003 Eustachy faced scrutiny over photos that surfaced of the head coach appearing to party with students at a house party in Missouri. Eustachy ultimately admitted to being an alcoholic and resigned from Iowa State a few months later.

Eustachy is currently under contract through the end of the 2020-21 season. His base salary will be greater than $1 million for the next three seasons. If the University were to fire him without cause, Eustachy would be owed roughly $1 million for each season remaining on his contract.

Photo Credit: Javon Harris | Rocky Mountain Collegian.

Justin Michael can be reached on Twitter @JustinTMichael.