Georgetown suspends Ed Cooley for throwing water bottle that struck child in stands

Georgetown basketball coach Ed Cooley is being suspended for one game after he launched a waterbottle into the stands that hit a child after the team’s 80-77 loss to Xavier on Saturday night. 

Athletic director Lee Reed announced the decision in a statement released by the school, stating that Cooley’s actions “did not align with the standards we expect of our coaches, nor does it reflect the values” of the university. 

Georgetown Hoyas head coach Ed Cooley looks on against the Xavier Musketeers during the first half at Capital One Arena. Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Cooley will be out for the Hoyas’ game against Coppin State on Monday, which will now be coached by associate head coach Jeff Battle. 

A clip of the incident showed Cooley throwing the bottle in frustration as the final buzzer sounded. 

The bottle went over the team bench and hit what appeared to be a toddler sitting in his mother’s lap two rows off the court. 

Cooley opened his postgame press conference apologizing to the family and reiterated that in a statement released through the university on Sunday. 

“I am deeply sorry for my actions during last night’s game, and sincerely apologize to the Nyahkoon family, whom I have known for years and regard as my own family,” he said. “My conduct was unacceptable and does not represent who I am or the leader I strive to be. I want to also apologize to the Georgetown community, team, fans, the league and my family. I take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences. I will learn from this experience to ensure it never happens again.”

The suspension of Cooley was also supported by the Big East, which released its own statement on the matter on Sunday. 

“We have communicated with Georgetown leadership and support their decision to suspend head men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley for his actions following last night’s game against Xavier. The safety and security of spectators and participants at BIG EAST events is of paramount importance and fundamental to the enjoyment of our games,” the statement read. 

Georgetown coach Ed Cooley chucks a water bottle into the stands that strikes a young child on Saturday night. @JaredKotler/X

The coach’s frustration likely came from a tough game from the foul line for his Hoyas, who missed 18 free throws and a late 3-point attempt at the buzzer that would have tied the game. 

Georgetown will host St. John’s on New Year’s Eve after facing Coppin State.