Megan Griffith Returns to Columbia Bench After Three-Game Suspension

Former players say the brief penalty fails to address alleged long-running emotional and physical mistreatment, raising questions about the program’s oversight.

Overview

Griffith completed a three-game suspension and returned to coach Columbia in an 81-58 loss to No. 2 Michigan on Thursday.
The suspension followed an external review that found some coaching interactions did not meet program expectations and led Columbia to require additional mentoring and oversight for Griffith.
A group of 15 former players issued a public statement saying the three-game penalty is insufficient and describing a culture of emotional and psychological abuse, pressure to play through injuries, postgame tirades, singling out players, and other demeaning behavior.
Current team leaders, including co-captain Fliss Henderson and junior captain Mia Broom, publicly expressed support for Griffith while associate head coach Tyler Cordell served as acting head coach during the suspension.
The dispute puts pressure on Columbia’s reputation and recruiting because the review did not trigger NCAA notification or Title IX proceedings and former players are demanding greater transparency and stronger accountability.