George Washington fired men’s basketball head coach Mike Lonergan on Friday night amid allegations of verbal abuse. The allegations first became public in a report by the Washington Post in July, which detailed the abusive and homophobic language that helped lead to 14 players transferring out of the program over a five-year span.
George Washington fired Mike Lonergan without telling his players or staff
Allegations of verbal abuse by the head coach have led to his dismissal.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Ricky O'Donnell has covered basketball at all levels for more than a decade at SB Nation. He’s currently the Associate Director of Programming.
George Washington players and staff had not been informed of the decision to fire Lonergan by Saturday morning, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. George Washington was scheduled to have recruit Anthony Longpre on campus this weekend, according to Corey Evans of HoopSeen.
George Washington hired a law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the program following the report in the Washington Post, according to CBS Sports. Lonergan was let go after players confirmed reports. Lonergan reportedly relentless criticized school AD Patrick Nero in tasteless ways over the last two seasons.
There is no interim coach in place, according to Rob Dauster of NBC Sports. George Washington begins its season on Nov. 11 against Maryland Eastern Shore.
Lonergan was 97-70 over five seasons at George Washington, making the NCAA Tournament in 2014.
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