Georgetown University has suspended head basketball coach Ed Cooley for one game after he threw a water bottle in anger after a loss – hitting a child in the process.
After a close defeat to Xavier on Saturday evening, Cooley tossed a plastic water bottle in frustration – which ended up hitting a child being held by his mother. Later reports indicated this was the family of Hoyas center Vince Iwuchukwu.
The school announced on Sunday that Cooley will miss their next game against Coppin State on Monday.
In a statement obtained by Daily Mail Sport, a spokesperson for the Big East Conference said, ‘We have communicated with Georgetown leadership and support their decision to suspend head men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley for his actions following last night’s game against Xavier.
‘The safety and security of spectators and participants at BIG EAST events is of paramount importance and fundamental to the enjoyment of our games.’
Cooley and his Georgetown Hoyas were down by three – with a trip to the free throw line being their last hope to get points and possibly win the game.
Georgetown has suspended coach Ed Cooley one game after he hit a child with a water bottle
Cooley (red circle) threw his water bottle, which hit a woman and her child (yellow circle)
Following the game, Cooley apologized and said he would reach out to the family
Unfortunately for the Hoyas, they missed the free throw and then couldn’t put up a shot in time to beat the buzzer – with Cooley then tossing the object into the crowd.
Cooley began his postgame press conference by apologizing for throwing the water bottle.
‘First and foremost, I have to apologize to the Nyahkoon family… definitely out of character for me to be so frustrated, but really that’s not called for and I’ll call them and make amends for that,’ Cooley said.
‘Just totally, totally out of character in frustration. So I apologize to the fans, I apologize to our players, the university. Totally, totally out of character for me to be that way.’
After ending the first half with a five-point lead, Georgetown shot 34.6 percent from the field in the second half and a poor 60.7 percent from the free throw line.
Late in the game, an attempt from Jeremiah Williams to intentionally miss a free throw to get a rebound woefully missed – sending Cooley into an outrage.
The loss puts Georgetown at 1-1 in conference play and 8-4 on the season. They’re 1-3 in combined Quad 1 and Quad 2 wins – having lost their only game against a ranked opponent.
Cooley is expected to return for the Hoyas’ game against St. John’s on New Year’s Eve.
