The College of Charleston and former basketball coach Doug Wojcik have reached a settlement worth $400,000. Wojcik was fired on Aug. 5 after being accused of physically and verbally abusing players and athletic department staff members.
The College of Charleston paid $150,000 of the total settlement. The remaining $250,000 came from the state's insurance reserve fund. According to the settlement conditions, Wojcik will not be allowed to file a lawsuit against the school or any of its subsidiaries. The 50-year-old former coach will also not be permitted to apply for another job with the College of Charleston.
"The matter has been resolved and it's good for everyone involved that we've come to a resolution," said Eric Bland, Wojcik's attorney. "I think everyone needs to move on and begin a new chapter," Post and Courier reports.
Wojcik was initially suspended without pay for a month following the outcome of the first investigation in May. The coach was also ordered to undergo counseling by former school president George Benson. The report found that Wojcik was more likely to have verbally abused players, assistant coaches and staffers at the school.
A second investigation by new school president Glenn McConnell was conducted after allegations of physical abuse against a former player surfaced. However, the school found no evidence of any physical abuse of former Cougars guard Trevonte Dixon during a game against Elon in 2012.
"After a full review of the facts relating to the allegation of physical abuse made by a player," said Ronald L. Richter Jr., Wojcik's attorney, "the College made no finding of physical abuse, but concluded physical contact occurred that was offensive to the player."
Wojcik had three years remaining on his contract that would have paid him more than $1.2 million. He posted 38-29 in two seasons with the Cougars, but had a disappointing 14-18 campaign in Charleston's debut performance in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Earl Grant, a 37-year-old former Stall High School star, has been hired as a successor to Wojcik. Grant joins Charleston after serving as an assistant coach for 10 years at The Citadel, Winthrop, Wichita State and with the Tigers.
