Georgetown’s Ed Cooley Suspended One Game for Water Bottle Incident
Georgetown University’s men’s basketball coach, Ed Cooley, has been suspended for one game. The suspension arose from an incident that took place following a game against Xavier, where Cooley threw a water bottle into the stands, reportedly hitting a spectator, identified as a child.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred after the Hoyas lost 80-77 to Xavier on Saturday night. As the final buzzer sounded, Cooley, in a moment of frustration, threw a water bottle towards the audience. A video captured the moment, showing the bottle appearing to strike a child seated on a woman’s lap.
Response from Georgetown Officials
Georgetown’s athletic director, Lee Reed, addressed the situation in a public statement. He emphasized that Cooley’s behavior did not meet the standards expected of Georgetown coaches. Consequently, Cooley’s suspension will take effect for their next game against Coppin State, with associate head coach Jeff Battle stepping in to lead the team.
Cooley’s Apology
In a statement released after the game, Cooley expressed deep regret for his actions. He acknowledged that the conduct exhibited was out of character and extended his apologies to the family involved, specifically mentioning the Nyahkoon family, whom he regards highly.
- Cooley’s full statement included apologies to:
- The Nyahkoon family
- The Georgetown community
- The team and fans
- The Big East Conference
- His family
Official Statements
The Big East Conference endorsed Georgetown’s decision, emphasizing the importance of safety at their events. They stated that they communicated with Georgetown leadership and fully supported the suspension of Coach Ed Cooley.
Cooley’s Coaching Record
Ed Cooley is currently in his third season with the Georgetown Hoyas. His coaching record stands at 35 wins and 43 losses during his tenure. Before joining Georgetown, he had a successful 12-year career at Providence College.
The upcoming game against Coppin State will take place at McDonough Arena, where Cooley will not be present on the sidelines. The incident has raised discussions about appropriate conduct for coaches and the example they set for their teams and communities.
