Marisa Moseley addresses Wisconsin women’s basketball abuse allegations
Wisconsin women's basketball coach Marisa Moseley commented on the abuse allegations made by Tessa Towers after the win over Michigan.
Wisconsin women’s basketball coach Marisa Moseley spoke publicly for the first time about the abuse allegations surrounding her program following the Badgers’ 82-75 victory over Michigan on Wednesday night.
The win at the Kohl Center snapped an eight-game losing streak, but the moment was overshadowed by the controversy that's taken center stage for the program.
Former Badgers forward Tessa Towers, now at Ball State, accused Moseley and her coaching staff on TikTok of mistreating her during her time in Madison by way of emotional manipulation, threats, and improper demands regarding mental health.
Several other former players have backed Towers' claims on social media. At the same time, some have come forward behind the scenes to share their stories and similar experiences under Moseley's leadership, fueling the conversation surrounding the program’s culture.
After the game, Moseley provided a brief statement on the matter, which she read off her phone.
"I cannot comment on any student-athletes health-related claims due to federal laws," Moseley told reporters. "Any of my player's physical and mental well-being will always come before basketball. My staff and I work hard and pride ourselves on trying to create an environment that welcomes everyone, and we try to build both positive and lasting relationships with these players.
"I have fully participated in the university’s procedures in regard to this matter, and I feel like, at this time, that’s all that really needs to be said.”
Towers claimed she was forced to sign a release form granting Moseley access to her therapy sessions under the threat of being removed from the team. She also alleged that she was given a choice between admitting herself to a mental hospital or being kicked off the team.
When asked to elaborate on the team’s discussions about mental health, Moseley declined to provide further details.
"We are keeping that information internal," she said.
Amid the ongoing investigation, Moseley remained firm in her commitment to leading the program, downplaying concerns about its direction.
"I’m not one of the people that was concerned about the state of the program, so I don’t know if I can respond to what that means to them," Moseley said. "For me, I’m going to continue to do the job that I committed to doing here, and I feel like we are doing that. We’re getting better. You see that."
Moseley is in her fourth season with the Badgers and holds an overall record of 45-68 (.398), including 19-45 (.297) in Big Ten play. Wisconsin is conducting an internal investigation into these troubling allegations, though such claims might warrant an impartial review from an outside agency.
We appreciate you taking the time to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. Your support means the world to us and has helped us become a leading independent source for Wisconsin Badgers coverage.
You can also follow Site Publisher Dillon Graff at @DillonGraff on X.