Online Burns Over Sister Jean's Early Exit 'Disgusting': Loyola

CHICAGO, IL — Loyola's Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt became an unlikely celebrity during the men's NCAA basketball tournament, as unlikely as the No. 11 Ramblers' improbable run during March Madness. But being the sweetheart of the tournament doesn't mean your immune to sour online reactions.

Loyola's team chaplain faced criticism after cameras during Saturday's broadcast of the Ramblers' loss to No. 3 Michigan showed her leaving the Final Four game early. No reason was given for her departure during the broadcast.

In fact, Sister Jean was headed to the tunnel so she could be in position to hug and console players. It's a practice she's done after every Loyola game she attends.

RELATED: Sister Jean Backlash? Loyola's No. 1 Fan Slammed For Early Exit

"#SisterJean left her team like a rat leaving a sinking ship," one person wrote on Twitter. Other comments were more vicious, and those online burns have raised the ire of Loyola officials.

"I cannot believe anyone would insinuate she gave up on these kids," Bill Behrns, a Loyola assistant athletic director for communications, told USA Today on Sunday. "How utterly disgusting."

RELATED: Loyola Loses To Michigan: 'We Took The Nation On A Ride'

As for Sister Jean's thoughts on the barbs, she's decided to take a break from the media spotlight.

"She's done for a while," a school spokesman told USA Today following Saturday's game.

More Patch Sister Jean Coverage:

• Senior Smack Talk: Jalen Rose's Granny Calls Out Sister Jean
• When Sister Jean Met Mariah: Watch The Sweet 16 Sweethearts Chat
• Loyola's Sister Jean Gets Push To Go On 'Ellen DeGeneres Show'

More via USA Today

Loyola's Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt. (Photo by Tom Pennington | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images)