Report: Coach likely verbally abused players

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — An investigation by the College of Charleston found men’s basketball coach Doug Wojcik likely verbally abused players, using threatening, degrading and profane language in dealing with the team — including using a homophobic slur against one player.

A report of the school investigation was obtained by The Post and Courier of Charleston (http://bit.ly/1qsPy1s). College of Charleston President Glenn McConnell said in a statement Thursday he was consulting with appropriate staff about the findings.

The 50-page report contains summaries of interviews with Wojcik and 26 others — including 10 anonymous players and five anonymous employees — who are current and former players and assistant coaches, college staffers and athletic director Joe Hull.

Wojcik said in the report he was shocked by the allegations and has not had players complain about his treatment. Wojcik did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press.

Among the report’s conclusions were that:

— it was likely Wojcik made comments to players that constituted name calling such as “dumb,” ”idiot,” ”stupid,” and “variations of such words that included profanity.”

— it was likely Wojcik used a homophobic slur to brand one player “on at least one occasion and likely on multiple occasions.”

— it was likely Wojcik made negative about players’ parents and upbringing.

— it was likely Wojcik made comments that were “threatening or challenging in nature.”

— it was likely many players believe Wojcik’s behavior toward them is “generally insulting and degrading.”

The report stated the investigator found players and former players interviewed “had no apparent credibility issues.”

Wojcik, 50, denied using homophobic slurs or threatening players when he was interviewed for the investigation.

Hull said in the report he had attended some of Wojcik’s practice sessions and had not seen nor heard anything he thought crossed the line.

Wojcik came to the College of Charleston after the 2011-12 season, taking over for the retiring Bobby Cremins. The Cougars went 24-11 and reached the finals of the Southern Conference tournament championship in Wojcik’s first season.

The Cougars went 14-18 this past year, their first in the Colonial Athletic Association. Now, it’s up to McConnell and the administration to determine of Wojcik gets the chance to continue.

“The College of Charleston treats all personnel matters with the utmost seriousness,” McConnell said.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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