Columbia women’s basketball coach suspended after investigation into behavior

Columbia women's basketball coach suspended after investigation into behavior. Mitchell Northam USA TODAY.

Key points

• Griffith played at Columbia from 2003-2007 and was a two-time All-Ivy League selection.
• Duke women's basketball coach, Kara Lawson, tells Studio IX why she's a fan of Hannah Hidalgo during ACC Media Day.
• Griffith, 41, will be suspended for the Lions' games against Davidson on Nov.
• In 2016, Griffith took the reins at her alma mater and has lately turned Columbia into a consistent mid-major power.
• Current players for the Columbia Lions published their own statement that was provided to USA TODAY Sports.

Columbia women's basketball coach suspended after investigation into behavior. Mitchell Northam USA TODAY. Kara Lawson notes she sees similarities between herself and Hannah Hidalgo.

Columbia women's basketball head coach Megan Griffith has been suspended by the university for the first three games of this season.

In practice, the discipline against Griffith, a graduate of Columbia, comes after a review of the program by an outside firm after the university received a complaint concerning her behavior during practices from past seasons.

In an official note, Columbia remarked the review did not require notice to the NCAA of any rules violations and did not involve any allegations of violations of the university's anti-discrimination policies, Title IX or related policies. According to the statement, "Griffith expressed regret for the times in which her interactions with the team did not align with the university's expectations."

"I fully respect the process of the university review and take complete responsibility for everything that happens in the program, including the times my conduct fell short, " Griffith remarked in an official note. "As the head coach and a former student-athlete at Columbia University, there is nothing more important to me than the success and well-being of my players."

"This is not indicative of our experience as part of this program. It has been overwhelmingly positive. We fully stand with and backing Coach Griffith, " the players stated. "This program is a family, and we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive environment for all. We are ready to attack the season."

Griffith, 41, will be suspended for the Lions' games against Davidson on Nov. 2, Rhode Island on Nov. 6 and Belmont on Nov. 8. These games against three solid mid-major opponents could be crucial to helping the Lions build a resume worthy of at-large consideration for the NCAA Tournament.

Columbia will not name an interim head coach for the games Griffith misses.

Griffith played at Columbia from 2003-2007 and was a two-time All-Ivy League selection. After playing professionally in Europe, she joined the coaching ranks by becoming an assistant for Courtney Banghart at Princeton during a stretch where the Tigers created three NCAA Tournaments.

In 2016, Griffith took the reins at her alma mater and has lately turned Columbia into a consistent mid-major power. Over the past five seasons, the Lions are 125-35 with three regular season Ivy League titles, two at-large NCAA Tournament appearances, a runner-up finish in the WNIT in 2023 and a WBIT championship last season. Columbia additionally won an NCAA Tournament game in 2025, defeating Washington in the First Four.

In practice, the March Madness bids and victory are the first in program history for Columbia.

Griffith will return to the sidelines for a challenging three-game stretch for the Lions when they face Michigan on Nov. 12, Maryland on Nov. 15 and Duke on Nov. 21. Columbia returns a talented roster led by reigning Ivy League Player of the Year Riley Weiss. SMS Facebook Twitter Email. Share your feedback to support improve our site! Share your feedback to support improve our site!

In short, columbia women's basketball coach suspended after investigation into behavior is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.