Georgetown men’s basketball head coach Ed Cooley has been suspended for one game after throwing a water bottle that struck a child during the Hoyas’ narrow 80-77 loss to Xavier on Saturday.
The incident occurred at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., in the final seconds of the game. With Georgetown trailing by three points, the Hoyas attempted a last-second three-pointer to force overtime but missed at the buzzer.
Frustrated by the defeat, the 56-year-old Cooley hurled what appeared to be a plastic water bottle into the stands. Video footage captured the bottle hitting a mother and child seated a few rows behind the Georgetown bench.
The Big East Conference announced the suspension late Sunday, citing “unsportsmanlike conduct unbecoming of a head coach.” The league emphasized that player and fan safety must remain paramount in all competitive environments.
Cooley, who is in his first season leading the Hoyas after leaving Providence, quickly issued an apology to the family affected. “I deeply regret my actions and sincerely apologize to the child and mother who were struck,” Cooley said in a statement. “It was an emotional moment, but that does not excuse my behavior.”
Georgetown University also released a statement condemning the incident and pledging to uphold standards of professionalism. “Coach Cooley’s actions were unacceptable, and we support the conference’s decision,” the statement read. “We are grateful that no serious injuries occurred.”
Witnesses at the arena reported that the child appeared shaken but did not require medical treatment. Security staff and Georgetown officials approached the family immediately after the incident to offer assistance.
The suspension means Cooley will miss Georgetown’s upcoming game against Villanova, a crucial matchup as the Hoyas attempt to climb the Big East standings. Assistant coaches are expected to take over sideline duties in his absence.
Fans and analysts have expressed disappointment, noting that Cooley has long been regarded as a passionate but composed leader. The incident, they say, tarnishes his reputation and raises questions about emotional control in high-pressure situations.
Despite the controversy, Georgetown players have voiced support for their coach, describing the incident as an unfortunate lapse rather than a reflection of his character. “Coach is human, and emotions run high in close games,” one player said. “We know he cares deeply about us and the program.”
The episode highlights ongoing concerns about conduct in college athletics, where coaches are expected to set an example for players and fans alike. For Georgetown, the focus now shifts to repairing trust and moving forward from a moment that briefly overshadowed the team’s performance on the court.
