TCNJ Punishes Head Football Coach/Assistant Following Argument with Kean University Security Officers
ByThe College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has taken disciplinary action against father and son duo, Eric and Mathew Hamilton - head football coach and assistant, for getting involved in a verbal exchange with the Kean University security officers last fall after a game between the two teams at TCNJ.
Hamilton, 59, has been suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season, and his son has been fired.
The college later issued a statement:
"We were notified by Kean's athletic director of a verbal confrontation between TCNJ staff members and Kean police officers at the conclusion of a game between the two schools last fall. TCNJ reviewed that incident and took appropriate steps in response."
Eric, who has been the head coach for 36 years, will miss the Sept. 6 game at Ursinus College and the Lions' home opener, Sept. 13, against Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham.
Mathew has been the Lions' assistant coach for seven years, including four as defensive coordinator.
At the age of 23, Eric was named head coach at his alma mater and has a career record of 205-141-6. According to official records, he earned a salary of $89,730 from TCNJ, last year.
Eric is currently ranked third in the nation amongst Division III coaches in career wins. During his tenure as head coach, the Lions are credited with seven postseason appearances in the ECAC and the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. The Lions won their first NCAA tournament, 1990, when they defeated Ithaca College 24-14.