Patrick Nero’s run as George Washington’s athletic director is over 15 months after the firing of men’s basketball coach Mike Lonergan following an investigation into Lonergan’s treatment of players.
“It has been an honor to serve our great student-athletes over the past six-plus years,” Nero said in a statement released by the school. “I have always wanted the Department of Athletics and Recreation to be about our students and positioning them to become the next leaders of our society. It has been a privilege to be a part of the lives of these young men and women on their road to becoming champions.”
Nero will formerly leave the job Dec. 31.
Lonergan was fired in Sept. 2016, after an investigation into allegations of mistreatment of his players. Three months ago, Lonergan and George Washington reached an undisclosed settlement to settle a legal dispute regarding the final five years that were remaining on Lonergan’s contract. There was reportedly friction between Lonergan and Nero starting in 2015.
“I am also completing my 30th year in intercollegiate athletics, the last 15 of them in a leadership position,” Nero said in a statement. “This is a good time for me personally and the university to make a change, it allows for fresh perspective and ideas to continue the momentum the department has gained these past six years.”
Maurice Joseph replaced Lonergan, and led the Colonials to a 20-15 record last season. GW is 5-6 to start this year.