B-CU names acting head basketball coach

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Director Lynn W. Thompson announced Tuesday the appointment of Gravelle Craig as Acting Head Men’s Basketball Coach.

Craig, associate head coach at the Daytona Beach university, replaces Coach Clifford Reed, who was fired last month after leading B-CU to a winning season. B-CU enjoyed its best season in Division I in 2010-2011, posting a 21-13 record while winning its first MEAC regular season championship and earning a post-season berth in the National Invitational Tournament.

Reed was MEAC Coach and National Association of Black Coaches, Coach of the Year for Region 15.

B-CU announced last month that Reed would not return, his contract would not be renewed, and his employment was terminated effective immediately.

Firing follows investigation

The university says Coach Reed was fired for refusing to cooperate with a criminal investigation surrounding a rape allegation against his players – with his son, C.J. as the prime suspect.

C.J., a standout basketball player on the men’s basketball team, was named MEAC Player of the Year, HBCU Player of the Year and HBCU First Team All-American.

Daytona Beach Police Department investigators later reported that the young woman who said she was raped admitted that she had had a months-long consensual sexual relationship with C.J. as well as with one of his teammates, and that she was also having sex with her hometown boyfriend when she returned to South Florida.

The young woman asked police to terminate their investigation and no criminal charges were ever filed.

First head coaching job for Craig

Craig has been with B-CU men’s basketball program since 2004 and most recently was associate head coach overseeing the development of the Wildcats’ backcourt players in addition to his responsibilities of recruiting, scouting and academic monitoring.

This is Craig’s first collegiate head coaching position. The 1999 Cleveland State graduate served as an assistant at Chicago State and Morris Brown prior to his arrival at B-CU.

A native of Farrell, Penn., Craig received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Cleveland State, where he led the Vikings to a Mid-Continent Conference championship in 1993.

About admin

View all posts by admin →