A lawsuit filed by 20-year-old Ashley Cooper who played under Holy Cross Head Coach Bill Gibbons claimed he had been "verbally, emotionally and physically abusive" toward her, CNN reported. In response Gibbons announced that he would "step back" from his duties as the college reviews the allegations.Gibbons will remain on voluntary, paid administrative leave, as his assistant coaches will assume all duties in his absence, The Associated Press reported.
In the lawsuit filed in a New York court, Cooper said that her Gibbons had shook and struck her on the back, which left a red hand-print during a game. Cooper also said in the lawsuit that the school covered up his behavior, The AP reported.
Elizabeth Eilender, Cooper's attorney said that her client sued in order to force changes at the Jesuit school in Worcester Massachusetts even while she no longer is at the school.
"They knew they had a problem. Now the rest of the world knows they have a problem, and they can no longer deny it," Eliender said in a statement. Cooper gave up her full scholarship and transferred out of the school amid fear of retaliation. She is a student at New York University.
"Cooper and other players suffered a loss of self-esteem and a loss of their love of the game of basketball," the lawsuit claimed. She is seeking compensation for the costs of the college education, as well as unspecified punitive damages.
Ellen Ryder, a school spokesman, said the "physical, mental and emotional well-being of our students is our highest priority at Holy Cross." She added that Cooper's lawsuit "included a series of new allegations and we will now bring in outside counsel to review them."
In 28 seasons with Holy Cross, Gibbons accumulated 533 victories as head coach, leading the women's team to 11 Patriot League championships.
