Coach Megan Griffith returned to the sideline for Thursday's Michigan vs Columbia clash. However, 15 of her former players say her three-game NCAA suspension did not go far enough.
In a statement, the group said the punishment fell short of "meaningful accountability," while urging the university to take further action.
Columbia Women's Basketball Coach Suspended Over Misconduct Claims
A former player filed a complaint with Columbia in September, prompting an external review. A university official said the firm spoke with almost 50 people tied to the Ivy League program, though several former players said investigators never contacted them.
The former NCAA student-athletes cited a "culture of fear." They alleged Griffith singled out players in postgame tirades, called them "zeros in life," and made some sit facing a corner after mistakes. One player also alleged Griffith threatened to remove athletes from the women's basketball team for speaking Spanish.
Complaints about Megan Griffith's alleged misconduct stretch back years. One former player said she filed a complaint in 2019, which Columbia investigated and subsequently deemed unfounded.
Associate head coach Tyler Cordell ran games during the suspension, while Griffith kept coaching practice. Columbia said the review did not involve Title IX or additional anti-discrimination policies.
Megan Griffith Addresses Allegations After Michigan vs Columbia Game
No. 2 Michigan secured the win in Griffith's homecoming, topping Columbia 81-58 behind former UCLA guard Kendall Dudley's first-career double-double.
Before the game, Griffith said she took "complete responsibility for everything that happens in the program, including the times my conduct fell short."
"I love my players. I'm going to keep loving them," she said afterward.
