Morgan State men?s basketball coach Todd Bozeman is expected to return to Farmville, Va., this week to answer misdemeanor assault charges stemming from an alleged confrontation over a post-game meal order at a restaurant Saturday.
Prince Edward County (Va.) Commonwealth attorney Jim Ennis said he spoke with lawyers representing Bozeman and expects the coach to turn himself in soon.
Ennis said Bozeman is charged with assault and battery, a first-class misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. Bozeman is also charged with curse and abuse, punishable by up to a $500 fine.
The incident happened at Mulligan?s restaurant, which is near the Longwood University campus, where Morgan State lost Saturday on a last-second shot, 75-73.
Mulligan?s manager Carlos Holland told The Examiner that Bozeman became enraged after Morgan State?s order of 52 cheesesteak or chicken sandwiches could not be filled and was replaced with cold ham and turkey sandwiches. Holland said at one point Bozeman grabbed restaurant employee Stephanie Shreck and pushed her out of the way.
“I come through the back door and saw Stephanie crying,” Holland said. “She had no idea what was going on, and he just came in yelling. She was startled and scared for her life. As I walked in the door, I just saw Mr. Bozeman yelling. I could not get a word in with this guy.”
Repeated attempts to reach Bozeman for comment were unsuccessful.
Morgan State spokesman Clint Coleman said the university is still sorting out the details of what happened. No decision regarding any disciplinary action against Bozeman has been made at this time.
“Our police department will be working with the Farmville police, and we will be speaking with Coach Bozeman to hopefully come up with an understanding of what happened,” Coleman said. “We believe what occurred was unfortunate and regret that this misunderstanding occurred. We are taking a wait-and-see approach before making any judgments.”
The incident overshadowed Morgan State?s most impressive win of the year, a 54-40 victory Monday over Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference leader Delaware State (12-11, 9-2). The win was the Bears? fifth straight in conference play and improved their record to 9-12, 7-3. It also snapped Delaware State?s 22-game home MEAC winning streak.
? Examiner staff writer Kevin T. Connor contributed to this story.
