After a weekend of criticism, men’s basketball coach John Chaney has suspended himself from the Atlantic Ten tournament.
“John Bryant is unable to play in the tournament because of the injury he sustained last week against Temple. Neither should I be able to coach,” Chaney said in a statement issued Monday.
Critics called for Chaney’s suspension from the tournament after he used a “goon” to protest moving screens by St. Joseph’s. St. Joe’s twice issued statements saying that Chaney had crossed the line.
Chaney met with Bryant’s family on Sunday, and according to ESPN.com, the meeting was “very tough” for the Bryants. Because Bryant is a senior, his broken arm will keep him from ever playing for the Hawks again.
There is a possibility the Owls could meet St. Joe’s in the A-10 tournament; the Hawks and Owls are the top two seeds in the conference’s East division, respectively. The Owls’ only chance to make the NCAA tournament is a conference championship, as an at-large bid is out of the question.
Assistant coach Dan Liebovitz, who won his first game in Chaney’s stead, will assume the duties of head coach for the remainder of the regular season and A-10 tournament.
“I have taken full responsibility for my words and actions, and have apologized from my heart,” Chaney said.
Chris Reber can be reached at chris.reber@temple.edu
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