Holy Cross Coach Bill Gibbons Returns; College Says Abuse Allegations Have 'No Legal Merit'
By Megan Bard
WORCESTER - Women's basketball coach Bill Gibbons resumed the post that he's held for 29 years on Tuesday, returning to The College of the Holy Cross after a voluntary leave of absence. Gibbons is accused of being "verbally, emotionally and physically abusive" to a former player, Ashley Cooper, who filed a lawsuit in October detailing the allegations. Since mid-October, Gibbons has been on paid leave from the college. In a statement Tuesday night, Holy Cross Director of Public Affairs Ellen Ryder said: "Coach Gibbons had voluntarily stepped aside while a review was undertaken of allegations made in a lawsuit by a former student-athlete. After a thorough review, the college has concluded that there is no reason for Coach Gibbons’ continued absence from the team. The college believes the lawsuit's allegations have no legal merit. Over a 29-year span, Coach Gibbons has amassed an impressive track record. That’s why so many players, parents, and alumni support him and the college’s women’s basketball program. We are focused now on completing the season and the academic year as a team and a community."Cooper's attorney, Elizabeth Eilender, said in a phone interview Wednesday evening the college's statement was "lawyer code." "To us, it looks like a carefully crafted non-denial," Eilender said. Eilender said the coach's reinstatement wouldn't affect the lawsuit, which is proceeding. "I am concerned for the welfare of the current players, I think it's a mistake by Holy Cross," Eilender said. "I think he's a loose cannon." In Gibbons's absence, Associate Head Coach Ann McInerney and the assistant coaches have been overseeing the women's basketball team. According to a news release posted on the college website, Gibbons will coach the team during its contest against rival Army on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Hart Center. The Holy Cross women's team is currently 11-4 and is tied for second place in the Patriot League. Also in the release, college officials said, "All members of the college community should know that the physical, mental and emotional well-being of all our students is the highest priority at Holy Cross." Contact: MassLive.com
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