Neil Reed

Neil Reed (1975-2012) was an American college basketball player. He is primarily known for his time playing at the University of Arizona under head coach Lute Olson in the mid-1990s and the subsequent controversy surrounding his departure from the program. Reed alleged a hostile environment within the team, specifically citing abuse from Coach Olson.

In 2000, a former teammate, Mike Bibby, corroborated Reed's claims of verbal and physical abuse by Olson in a Sports Illustrated article. Olson vehemently denied the allegations. This led to a university investigation, which largely cleared Olson of the most serious charges, although it did acknowledge some instances of inappropriate behavior.

Reed transferred to Southern Mississippi after leaving Arizona. Following his basketball career, he struggled with personal issues, including substance abuse. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 36. The controversy surrounding his allegations against Lute Olson continues to be a topic of discussion in sports circles, particularly when evaluating Olson's legacy.