Leary retires from SCSU

New Haven (AP) - Southern Connecticut basketball coach Art Leary, who hasn't coached a game since being suspended in February 2006, has retired.

Leary, whose retirement was announced Thursday, became head coach at Southern in 1978. He holds the school record for victories, finishing his career with a record of 374-413 in 28 seasons.

Leary led the Division II Owls to four NCAA Tournament berths and was named coach of the year in the New England Collegiate Conference three times. He was placed on administrative leave following a game on Feb. 1, 2006, after an allegation that he tried to punch a player. No wrongdoing was found.

Leary was reinstated as coach in April, 2008, but has remained out on medical leave.
The Owls finished 2-25 last season under interim coach Marc Rybczyk.