Fifteen former Columbia student-athletes have asked the university to take further action against head coach Megan Griffith, who was suspended for the first three games of this season for “interactions with the team that did not align with expectations,” The Athletic reported Thursday.
The Athletic also reported an allegation brought against the coach in 2019, which the university investigated and determined to be unfounded, and provided more detail about the September complaint to Columbia president Jennifer Mnookin that included statements from five other former players who were members of the team going back to Griffith’s first year leading the program in 2016.
“Following a thorough external review by the University, Columbia Women’s Basketball Head Coach Megan Griffith served a suspension for the first three games of the season. The review did not require notice to the NCAA of any rules violations and did not involve any allegations of violations of the University’s Anti-Discrimination policies, Title IX or related policies,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. “The University 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.”
In addition to the suspension, a university official noted that Griffith is receiving additional coaching mentoring and oversight.
Griffith released a statement to The Athletic before its article was published: “I fully respect the process of the University review and take complete responsibility for everything that happens in the program, including the times my conduct fell short. As the Head Coach and a former student-athlete at Columbia University, there is nothing more important to me than the success and well-being of my players.”
Ivy Hoops Online sought comment from Mnookin and athletics director Peter Pilling but was told by a university official that there would be no follow-up statements.