Morehead, KY

Morehead State has suspended first-year coach Sean Woods for one game for lashing out at point guard Devon Atkinson during the team's 81-70 loss to Kentucky Wednesday.

The school announced that Woods will be replaced by associate head coach Dylan Howard for the Eagles' game against Norfolk State Monday.

Video replays showed that Woods appeared to shove Atkinson before lashing out on him on the bench. Atkinson appeared to be fighting back tears while Woods was berating him.

"My behavior during Wednesday night's game was inappropriate and unacceptable. I am truly sorry," Woods said in a statement, promising not to repeat similar incidents in future games.

"I value the opportunity I have been given as the head men's basketball coach at Morehead State. I am passionate about the young men on our team and the opportunities we have together. I care for them deeply," Woods added.

"We believe coach Woods, while remorseful, is not above reproach," Morehead State athletic director Brian Hutchinson said in a statement.

Hutchinson said the suspension will allow Woods to consider his action and behavior, and allow him time to contemplate the appropriate way to conduct himself with his players and on the sideline.

"We recognize that the young men in our basketball program are students first and athletes second. It is our expectation that our coaches are first teachers, who reflect the core values of the university which includes valuing the individual and treating people with respect," Hutchinson added.

Hutchinson added that Woods' interaction with Atkinson "fell short of that value and was unacceptable."

Woods, a former Kentucky player, was headed for a huge upset against his alma mater, leading by 48-44 in the second half.

But things turned for the worse as the Wildcats unleashed a 16-2 run to take a 60-50 lead with 10:20 remaining.

 

Morehead State Suspends Coach Sean Woods for One Game

 

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