George Washington University fires head coach after claims of player abuse

George Washington  head coach Mike Lonergan calls out to Alex Mitola (1) as Tyler Cavanaugh (34) waits to inbound the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Valparaiso in the finals of the NIT Thursday, March 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan calls out to Alex Mitola (1) as Tyler Cavanaugh (34) waits to inbound the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Valparaiso in the finals of the NIT Thursday, March 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan gestures during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against St. Joseph in the Atlantic 10 men’s tournament, Friday, March 11, 2016, at New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan, left, encourages his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Virginia, Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, in Washington. George Washington won 73-68. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan yells to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against DePaul on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, in Rosemont, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan talks with George Washington guard Patricio Garino (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Virginia, Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, in Washington. George Washington won 73-68. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan talks with George Washington guard Patricio Garino (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Virginia, Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, in Washington. George Washington won 73-68. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan, center, reacts with his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Rutgers, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, in Washington. George Washington won 93-87. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan, center, reacts with his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Rutgers, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, in Washington. George Washington won 93-87. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
(1/6)
George Washington  head coach Mike Lonergan calls out to Alex Mitola (1) as Tyler Cavanaugh (34) waits to inbound the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Valparaiso in the finals of the NIT Thursday, March 31, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan talks with George Washington guard Patricio Garino (13) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Virginia, Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, in Washington. George Washington won 73-68. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan, center, reacts with his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Rutgers, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, in Washington. George Washington won 93-87. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON — George Washington University has fired men’s basketball coach Mike Lonergan, school officials have confirmed.

Brian Sereno, a spokesman for GWU athletics, said in an emailed statement that the university “conducted a thorough investigation” into allegations concerning the coach.

“The university concluded that Coach Lonergan had engaged in conduct inconsistent with the university’s values,” Sereno said in the email.

The university expected to have an announcement about an interim coach “soon.” Sereno said” a broader review” of the athletics department was underway.

USA Today reported the Colonials’ coaching staff was told of the decision Friday night, and that the source wished to remain anonymous.

The decision comes months after an investigation into allegations against the coach’s behavior toward his players.

In July,  Lonergan was investigated for being verbally and emotionally abusive to his players, creating an offensive, intolerable environment.  At the time, the university announced it was  “undertaking a Title IX review” but that “some of the reported allegations go beyond the scope of Title IX.”

Lonergan told The Washington Post that “these types of accusations” were previously investigated by the school “and found to be groundless.”

The coach led the Colonials to the NCAA tournament in 2014, and the school had extended Lonergan’s contract through 2021.

The Associated Press and WTOP’s Tiffany Arnold contributed to this report.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up