Wagner College has suspended men's basketball head coach Donald Copeland amid an ongoing investigation into serious allegations of verbal abuse, mistreatment, and bullying tactics involving players.

The allegations, reported by the New York Post and based on complaints from multiple sources including former player R.J. Greene, include verbal abuse, inappropriate language, denial of water breaks, and forcing players to run to exhaustion, with some players passing out from dehydration.

The investigation was prompted by claims that Copeland's coaching style involved emotional distress and bullying, with some describing team film sessions as 'funerals' due to intense criticism.

Wagner's athletic director Walt Hameline and the school's Vice President of Athletics confirmed that the college is taking the allegations seriously and has initiated an immediate review, prioritizing student health and well-being.

Despite the serious allegations, Wagner awarded Copeland a five-year contract in July 2024 after leading the team to the NCAA Tournament and winning the NEC Tournament for the first time in 21 years.

Copeland, 41, who led Wagner to the NCAA Tournament in 2024, has not been found responsible as of now, but multiple complaints have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

The investigation was publicly revealed by the New York Post, with claims from multiple sources, including former player R.J. Greene, highlighting allegations of emotional and physical mistreatment.

While no responsibility has been assigned yet, the allegations include disrespectful language, insults, and inappropriate comments about players' private parts, which players described as daily occurrences.

Wagner College has not commented further on the investigation, and efforts to reach Copeland for response are ongoing.

Former player R.J. Greene described the coaching experience as a daily ordeal, emphasizing the emotional distress caused by Copeland's methods.

Some players reportedly required medical attention after passing out from dehydration during strenuous practices, with incidents involving forced running after players were caught drinking from hidden Gatorade bottles.

The controversy highlights a broader 'war on and off the court,' reflecting the intense scrutiny and debate over coaching methods and player treatment.