One day after his former program lost to Rutgers, Bryant men’s basketball coach Jared Grasso has resigned.
In a text message sent to NJ Advance Media and also posted on social media, Grasso wrote:
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Bryant University. My role as a father and husband is everything to me. The rigors of a coach’s lifestyle and 3 young children can make that extremely challenging. My mental and physical health must come first at this time.
“I am excited for my children’s practices, recitals, and Christmas shopping. In addition to celebrating winter holidays with my family for the first time in my career.”
Grasso, 43, entered his sixth season at Bryant in 2023-24 after signing a contract extension through 2026-27 on April 4, 2022. He took the program to its first NCAA Tournament in 2021-22. He previously served as the associate head coach at Iona and the interim head coach at Fordham.
ESPN reported in late September that Grasso was taking a leave of absence, citing a school spokesperson. It has not been reported why Grasso took the leave of absence but he has been undergoing some serious personal issues, multiple people with direct knowledge who were not authorized to speak publicly told NJ Advance Media.
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On Nov. 8 misdemeanor charges against Grasso were dismissed after he was accused of causing a car crash the evening of Oct. 1. The incident took place after he was placed on leave and is not related to why he was placed on leave.
Grasso had been charged with failing to stop in an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle. He was accused of sideswiping a woman’s vehicle and then continuing down Route 146 South by the West Acres Interchange in North Smithfield, WPRI reported.
In body cam video footage released by the local police, Grasso gave long and rambling answers about the incident to a police officer, at one point asking the officer, “You wanna shoot jumpers?”
Associate head coach Phil Martelli Jr. has served as the acting head coach during Grasso’s absence.
The Bulldogs, who feature Saint Peter’s transfer and Nutley, N.J. native Doug Edert, are 1-2.
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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.