Columbia Basketball Coach Suspended After Conduct Review

Columbia University has suspended women's basketball head coach Meg Griffith for three games following an external review into her conduct. The investigation was initiated after the university received a complaint regarding Griffith's coaching behavior during practices from a previous season.

Griffith will not be present for the team's opening game on November 2 against Davidson, nor for a tournament in Nashville featuring matchups against Rhode Island and Belmont.

"I fully respect the process of the University review and take complete responsibility for everything that happens in the program, including the times my conduct fell short," Griffith said in a statement. "As the head coach and a former student-athlete at Columbia University, there is nothing more important to me than the success and well-being of my players." She expressed regret for instances where her interactions with the team did not meet expectations.

The university stated that the review did not uncover any NCAA rule violations or allegations related to discrimination policies, including Title IX.

The women's basketball team issued a statement supporting their coach, asserting that their experience within the program has been overwhelmingly positive and that it fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. "We fully stand with and support Coach Griffith. This program is a family, and we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive environment for all. We are ready to attack the season," the team said.

Griffith, a Columbia alumna, is the winningest coach in the program's history and has been named Ivy League Coach of the Year three times. In her 11-year tenure, she has compiled a 171-99 record, leading the Lions to two NCAA Tournament at-large bids and the program's first-ever NCAA tournament victory. The team also won the WBIT last season and secured three regular-season Ivy League titles between 2022 and 2025.