Doug Wojcik Fired Amidst Verbal Abuse Allegations, College of Charleston Confirms Without Disclosing Reason
ByAbout a month after the school investigated Doug Wojcik, head men's basketball coach, for verbally abusing his players, the College of Charleston announced he has been fired.
Glenn F. McConnell, Charleston's president, announced Wojcik's firing in an open letter to the campus community Tuesday. McConnell would not disclose the results of the investigation, but indicated that Wojcik violated his contract with the school in some way.
"I am writing today to let you know I have made the decision to terminate Head Men's Basketball Coach Doug Wojcik's employment at the College of Charleston for just cause, pursuant to the terms of his contract, effective immediately," McConnell wrote. "You may have read media accounts or seen or heard information from other sources about the allegations regarding Mr. Wojcik. I want you to know, however, that the College of Charleston does not publicly discuss or comment on the specifics of personnel matters, unless there is a significantly compelling or legally mandated reason to do so."
ESPN reported that the school is firing Wojcik on the basis of a breach of his contract to avoid paying him the $1.2 million he would otherwise be owed for the next three seasons. Scott Tompsett, Wojcik's attorney, said Charleston did not so much as make an effort to reach a settlement upon parting ways.
"Today's action by the College of Charleston will not bring closure to the college, the basketball program, or the student-athletes and their families," Tompsett told ESPN.
In a 50-page report, school investigators cited 10 anonymous players and five anonymous staff members, all current and former, who said Wojcik was verbally abusive. Including interviews with the coach himself, the report concluded Wojcik was likely to have said "degrading" and "insulting" things to his players and staffers. Investigators also said he likely used a homophobic slur "multiple times" and at least once for certain.
Wojcik denied the allegations in his interviews.
"Coach Wojcik reiterates what he said over a month ago," Tompsett said in a statement for Wojcik. "He's sincerely remorseful and apologizes publicly to those he hurt emotionally or offended. He is a better person because of this experience and he'll be a better coach."