Georgetown suspends Cooley for one game after tossing water bottle that hit child in stands

Georgetown suspended coach Ed Cooley for one game on Sunday after he tossed a water bottle into the stands during Saturday’s 80-77 loss to Xavier. The bottle hit a mother and child who were watching the game two rows behind Georgetown’s bench. 

Cooley became visibly frustrated after his squad missed a potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired. He turned away from the court and hurled the water bottle toward the spectators. 

Though the coach apologized after the game, he was still issued a punishment by Georgetown officials.

“I met with Coach Cooley today to discuss the incident which occurred after last night’s game against Xavier,” Georgetown athletic director Ed Reed said in a statement. “I expressed that his conduct did not align with the standards we expect of our coaches, nor does it reflect the values of Georgetown Athletics or Georgetown University.”

Xavier escapes Georgetown on the road 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/JObs6f4H0E

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) December 21, 2025

The Big East Conference supported the decision by Georgetown on Sunday.

“We have communicated with Georgetown leadership and support their decision to suspend head men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley for his actions following last night’s game against Xavier,” the Big East said in a statement. “The safety and security of spectators and participants at Big East events is of paramount importance and fundamental to the enjoyment of our games.”

Cooley will miss Georgetown’s game against Coppin State on Monday night. He apologized to fans and the affected family during his postgame press conference on Saturday night. Associate coach Jeff Battle will lead the Hoyas during Cooley’s absence.

“My conduct was unacceptable and does not represent who I am or the leader I strive to be. I want to also apologize to the Georgetown community, team, fans, the league and my family,” Cooley said in a statement on Sunday. “I take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences. I will learn from this experience to ensure it never happens again.”

With Saturday’s loss, the Hoyas fell to 8-4 on the season and 1-1 in Big East play. 

Cooley, now in his third season with Georgetown, has flashed a fiery demeanor in the past. During a loss to Xavier last season, the 56-year-old skipped the post-game handshake line to argue with a fan in the stands.