Report: GW’s Lonergan accused of verbal abuse

4:23 PM ET

George Washington basketball coach Mike Lonergan routinely abused his players verbally and emotionally, creating an offensive environment and causing many of them to leave the program as a result, according to a lengthy report in the Washington Post.

Citing interviews with multiple former players and staff members, the Post painted a picture of a coach who regularly crossed the line in his assessments and critiques of his players. According to the newspaper, Lonergan told one athlete he belonged in a “transgender league” and suggested another’s son would forever rely on public assistance.

One former player, according to the Post, said he needed therapy to cope after his time playing for Lonergan.

Mike Lonergan has been at George Washington since 2011 after a seven-year stint at Vermont. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Thirteen players have transferred from George Washington in Lonergan’s five-year tenure.

“I don’t think the guy should be in sports,” one former player told the Post. “I don’t think what he said should be tolerated. I would like to stay at GW. I will not play for Mike Lonergan.”

One former member of the George Washington basketball staff said, “A lot of kids transfer because they have delusions of grandeur. Nobody transferred from GW with delusions of grandeur. They just transferred because they hated him. They couldn’t stand another second of him.”

Lonergan, who led the program to the NCAA tournament in 2014 and an NIT championship last season, responded to the Post’s report through a statement.

“I will not respond to anonymous, unfounded allegations,” he said. “These types of accusations have already been investigated by the University and found to be groundless. Those who know me know …

continue reading in source espn.go.com