Columbia Women's Basketball Coach Suspended for Three Games

Columbia University announced Thursday the suspension of its women's basketball coach, Megan Griffith, for the first three games of the season. The suspension follows a review of her conduct, initiated by complaints about her behavior during practices in previous seasons.

Griffith will not be on the sideline for the Nov. 2 game against Davidson, nor for tournament games against Rhode Island and Belmont in Nashville. The university stated that Griffith has "expressed regret for occasions in which her interactions with the team did not align with expectations." A specific account of the alleged conduct was not detailed.

In a statement, Griffith acknowledged the university's review process and accepted responsibility. "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 said.

The university's review did not identify any violations of NCAA rules, nor were there allegations of violations of Columbia's anti-discrimination policies, Title IX, or related policies.

Members of the current Columbia Lions team released a statement expressing their full support for Griffith, describing their experience within the program as "overwhelmingly positive." The players characterized the program as a "family" and emphasized their commitment to a "supportive and inclusive environment."

Griffith, a Columbia alumna, is in her 11th season coaching the women's basketball program. She is the winningest coach in the program's history with a 171-99 record. Under her leadership, the Lions have secured three regular-season Ivy League titles between 2022 and 2025, received two at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament, and won the WBIT last season.