George Washington fires head coach Mike Lonergan after investigation
George Washington has fired head coach Mike Lonergan after an ongoing abuse investigation, the school announced Saturday.
USA Today’s Dan Wolken reportsthe team’s coaching staff was informed on Friday night. Lonergan had been under investigation dating back to July after players made accusations of verbal and emotional abuse.
In a statement, university provost Forrest Maltzman said George Washington “recently conducted a thorough investigation into allegations concerning Coach Lonergan” and “concluded that Coach Lonergan had engaged in conduct inconsistent with the university's values.”
The university announced in July that it was involving an outside counsel as part of the investigation, which included a Title IX review. The Washington Post originally reported allegations of routine abuse from Lonergan toward players, causing many to leave the program. Most players spoke anonymously. Thirteen players transferred from the school during his five-year tenure as head coach.
ESPN reported in July that Lonergan began to target the school’s athletic director, as well.
George Washington won the NIT last season and made the NCAA tournament once in Lonergan’s five years, in 2014.
