TSU fires athletic director amid investigation into sexual misconduct allegations

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Texas Southern University has reportedly fired its athletic director following allegations made in a lawsuit, according to the university.

On Thursday, in a statement, TSU shared it had been notified in June 2025 of the allegations made toward Dr. Kevin Granger. Based on the seriousness, the university placed Granger on administrative leave, pending an investigation.

In June 2025, Tony Buzbee's office shared a statement regarding the lawsuit, stating that Granger had sexually assaulted a university staff member.

TSU said that following a monthslong investigation, on Feb. 13, 2023, the university issued a termination letter to Graner to discontinue being the vice president of intercollegiate athletics and athletic director at Texas Southern University. The letter also notified him that his termination would be on March 16, 2026.

However, after deliberating, on March 5, 2026, the president decided to remove Granger's retired jersey banner from public display in the H&PE arena.

"Any suggestion that the University failed to act or acted without due consideration is inaccurate. Texas Southern University followed a deliberate administrative process, assessing the facts, applicable law, and policy, over several months to ensure a fair and responsible review and determination," the university shared in a statement.

Further comments were not made due to ongoing civil litigation.