A notable college basketball coach has been suspended for throwing a water bottle that struck a child.
Georgetown Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed announced that Ed Cooley will miss the Hoyas next game against Coppin State.
Cooley threw the water bottle into the stands after Malik Mack missed a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer in his team’s 80-77 loss against Xavier on Saturday.
The bottle struck a child who was being held by a woman sitting a few rows behind the team’s bench.
“I am deeply sorry for my actions during last night’s game, and sincerely apologize to the Nyahkoon family, whom I have known for years and regard as my own family,” Cooley said in a statement.
“My conduct was unacceptable and does not represent who I am or the leader I strive to be. I want to also apologize to the Georgetown community, team, fans, the league and my family. I take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences. I will learn from this experience to ensure it never happens again.”
Lee said Cooley’s actions did not “align with the standards we expect of our coaches, nor does it reflect the values of Georgetown athletics or Georgetown University.”
Jeff Battle, the associate head coach, will lead the Hoyas against Coppin State on Monday. The Big East also released a statement.
“We have communicated with Georgetown leadership and support their decision to suspend head men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley for his actions following last night’s game against Xavier,” the league said. “The safety and security of spectators and participants at Big East events is of paramount importance and fundamental to the enjoyment of our games.”
Georgetown (8-4) has lost four of its past seven games. Cooley is in his third season in Washington D.C. after spending more than a decade at Providence.
He will return for his team’s matchup against St. John’s on New Year’s Eve.