Former Columbia Players Call for Accountability as Coach Megan Griffith Returns

Columbia University women's basketball coach Megan Griffith is scheduled to resume her duties this Thursday after serving a three-game suspension. The disciplinary action followed an external university review prompted by a formal complaint filed in September regarding the coach's conduct. While the university has stated that Griffith will receive additional oversight and mentoring, a group of 15 former players is publicly demanding more significant accountability, labeling the current measures as insufficient.

In a statement provided to the media, the former athletes alleged a systemic culture of psychological and emotional abuse within the program. The complaints, which include accounts from players dating back to 2016, describe instances of demeaning language, unpredictable outbursts, and the mistreatment of injured athletes. Some former players reported being forced to sit in corners during practice as punishment and claimed they were discouraged from speaking Spanish in private settings.

Griffith, who has led the Lions to significant milestones including their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024, addressed the situation in a written statement. She expressed respect for the university's review process and accepted responsibility for instances where her conduct did not meet expectations, emphasizing that the well-being of her players remains her primary concern. Conversely, current team captains Fliss Henderson and Mia Broom issued a statement expressing their full support for their coach.