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5h ago

Wagner Suspends Coach Donald Copeland as Player-Mistreatment Probe Opens

The athletic director says the school opened an internal review after receiving multiple complaints about his conduct.

Nov 6, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Wagner Seahawks head coach Donald Copeland looks on during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • Wagner suspended fourth-year men's basketball coach Donald Copeland and opened an internal investigation into alleged player mistreatment, the athletic director confirmed.
  • Reports describe verbal abuse and the denial of water during strenuous practices, including a session after a hidden Gatorade bottle was found in which two players reportedly passed out and one was taken to a hospital.
  • The inquiry began after multiple complaints were submitted to school administrators, and the college said it moved quickly to review the claims and will not comment further during the process.
  • CBS Sports said it requested comment from Copeland but has not received a response.
  • Copeland, 41, is 46-45 at Wagner and led the program to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, though nearly the entire roster and several staff members, including assistant Kevin Lynch, departed after last season.