Siena men’s basketball coach Jimmy Patsos is under investigation from the college for alleged verbal abuse aimed at a team manager, according to the Times Union.
The manager is a student with obsessive compulsive disorder and Patsos was reportedly aware of his condition when the alleged abuse took place.
Siena College spokeswoman Lisa Witkowski told the Times Union:
“As you know, college athletic departments regularly perform end-of-season reviews on their sports programs. Information surfaced during Siena’s review of the men’s basketball program that requires deeper examination.
“This process demands time and must be conducted in confidence. We have an obligation to protect the rights of all involved, and we have a responsibility to ensure our athletic programs are held to the highest standards.”
A complaint filed by a student whose identity has not been released prompted the investigation. The complaint alleges that Patsos called the manager “insane,” teased him because of his medication, and referred to him as “the next unabomber.”
The Times Union reports that members of the team have been interviewed as part of the investigation, both by an outside attorney and the school’s Title IX coordinator.
Despite Siena’s dismal season in 2017-18, the school has said it is committed to keeping Patsos as head coach. The Saints went 8-24 this year and won just four games in the MAAC.