Georgetown Coach Ed Cooley Apologizes After Hitting Child

UPDATE: Georgetown University men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley issued a public apology after an incident where he accidentally hit a child with a water bottle during a game against Xavier University on January 6, 2024. The shocking moment unfolded with just 5 seconds remaining in the game as Georgetown faced a narrow deficit.

With Georgetown trailing by three points, Jeremiah Williams missed two crucial free throws, followed by Malik Mack missing a desperate 24-foot 3-point attempt. In a moment of frustration, Cooley tossed his plastic water bottle toward the stands behind the bench, inadvertently hitting a child held by the child’s mother.

During the postgame press conference, Cooley immediately addressed the situation, expressing deep remorse. “First and foremost, I have to apologize to the Nyahkoon family… definitely out of character for me to be so frustrated, but really that’s not called for and I’ll call them and make amends for that,” he stated, visibly shaken.

Cooley continued, “Just totally, totally out of character in frustration. So I apologize to the fans, I apologize to our players, the university. Totally, totally out of character for me to be that way.” The incident has sparked intense reactions from fans and the media alike, with many expressing shock at the coach’s actions.

Georgetown’s loss to Xavier marked their record at 8-4, with a 1-1 standing in the Big East Conference. As the university navigates the fallout from this incident, many will be watching how Cooley reaches out to the affected family and the broader community.

This developing story highlights the emotional intensity of competitive sports and the responsibilities coaches hold, both on and off the court. As more details emerge, stay tuned for updates on this situation and the response from the Georgetown community.