Columbia Coach Suspended Over Alleged Abuse Claims
Columbia women’s basketball coach faces suspension after allegations of abuse and poor treatment of athletes.
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Columbia University has suspended its women’s basketball coach, Megan Griffith, following allegations of abusive behavior and a toxic coaching environment, according to multiple reports. A former player who was coached by Griffith filed a complaint in September, alleging that abusive conduct began as early as 2016, when Griffith joined the program.
Alleged Culture of Abuse
The complaint, which includes statements from five other athletes, claims that Griffith fostered a culture of verbal abuse, bullying, and manipulation. The athletes described a hostile environment where players were constantly under pressure and treated with disrespect.
One statement from the complaint reads, “Our firsthand experiences cite serious concerns about a culture of emotional and psychological abuse, the mistreatment of injured players, and the utter disregard for athletes’ mental health.” The athletes also reported that Griffith was known for her volatility, with players always “walking on eggshells” around her.
Specific Allegations
The filing outlines several specific incidents, including Griffith’s habit of degrading players, such as calling them “zeros in life,” and criticizing them for speaking in Spanish. Other allegations include kicking students out of the locker room or from practice without justification and punishing players by making them sit in a chair facing a corner.
One athlete described the experience as “truly feeling as if you are at the mercy of an unhinged person.” In response to the allegations, Griffith issued a statement expressing regret for any misconduct and reaffirming her commitment to her players’ well-being.
School’s Response
Columbia University stated that it is “committed to the well-being of its student-athletes and an inclusive and supportive environment for Women’s Basketball and all of our athletic programs.” The suspension was for three games, during which associate head coach Tyler Cordell took over as head coach.
Griffith, who has a record of 174-100 since joining Columbia in 2016, is the school’s most successful coach. The university has not provided further details on the investigation or the review process.
Source: Breitbart
