Colts Neck Woman Suing College Basketball Coach, Alleging Abuse

A Colts Neck resident is suing her former Holy Cross college basketball coach, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Ashley Cooper, 20, claims her coach Bill Gibbons both physically and emotionally abused her during the season by grabbing her shirt, slapping her on the back so hard it left marks and shaking her by the shoulders.

Cooper also filed suit against the university, claiming Holy Cross would not turn over game tape proving Cooper's claims and refusing to release the results of an investigation, according to The Asbury Park Press.

The report indicates Cooper left Holy Cross and her full scholarship, "fearing physical pain and retaliation."

Cooper is seeking compensation for her college education which she'll have to pay after leaving Holy Cross and her full scholarship.

In a statement to the Associated Press, school spokeswoman Ellen Ryder said the “physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our students is our highest priority at Holy Cross.”

The lawsuit goes on to detail Gibbons' behavior was comparable, if not worse, than Rutgers men's basketball coach Mike Rice, who was fired after similar accusations.