The George Washington Colonials have had some relative success the last few years as they made the NCAA Tournament in 2014 and won the NIT earlier this year. However, it seems as though head coach Mike Lonergan could be running some of his players off due to his nature on the court and in the locker room.
The Washington Post released an article that calls out Lonergan as being “verbally and emotionally abusive” towards former players. It features quotes from former assistant coaches, players and even the head coach himself.
“A lot of kids transfer because they have delusions of grandeur,” a one former George Washington coach said. “Nobody transferred from GW with delusions of grandeur. They just transferred because they hated [Lonergan]. They couldn’t stand another second of him.”
13 players have transferred since Mike Lonergan took over the program in 2011 with one filing a Title IX complaint against him in April. The school has already spoken to the coach about his behavior in the past, which included him telling a player his son would “always be on food stamps.”
“I don’t think the guy should be in sports,” a former player told the Post. “I don’t think what he said should be tolerated. I would like to stay at GW. I will not play for Mike Lonergan.”
Lonergan spoke with the paper and said he wouldn’t respond to them except for saying the school had already wrapped up an investigation.
“I will not respond to anonymous, unfounded allegations,” Lonergan said. “These types of accusations have already been investigated by the University and found to be groundless.
“Those who know me know that I conduct myself and run my program with integrity. I have a long record of graduating student-athletes who go on to be successful in life. I am proud of my student-athletes’ success on the court and in the classroom, and I am focused on preparing for the upcoming season.”
It certainly seems like there is a strange situation going on at George Washington and the Colonials would be paying big for it in the future. He is 97-70 in five seasons with the team.
