Siena Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Jabir will resume his coaching duties after an investigation into allegations he made inappropriate comments to players. Jabir had been out for the past seven games, which spanned three weeks.
Director of Athletics John D’Argenio released the following statement:
“After a thorough investigation by the College’s Title IX/Equal Opportunity Office, I have asked Jim Jabir to resume his head coaching duties.”
“Coach made an insensitive remark, recognized it was inappropriate, and apologized to his team. Months later, it was brought to our attention, and we immediately notified the Title IX Coordinator/Equal Opportunity Specialist and that office commenced an investigation. At that point, Coach Jabir stepped aside pending the inquiry, and was forthright and cooperative throughout the process.”
“Coach Jabir has taken responsibility, acknowledged the impact of his actions, and missed seven games. He will continue to participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion education, and I believe he’s learned from this experience. He has our full support.”
“I am extremely proud of the team’s commitment and focus over the past seven games and three weeks in Coach Jabir’s absence. The student athletes’ attitude and performance on and off the court speaks to the unity of the team and the character of the student athletes and coaches. I am also grateful to coaches Terry Primm and Heather Stec, along with director of operations Morgan Roche for their extraordinary work the past three weeks.”
Jabir also released a statement of his own:
“For 37 years, I have been devoted to coaching, supporting and nurturing young people as they pursue college basketball and prepare to take the next step to becoming meaningful contributors to their families and communities. It has also been my goal to learn with them and from them.”
“In September, I made a regrettable and insensitive comment, and at that time, I made an immediate and sincere apology to my team. I am grateful that they accepted my apology. People who know me know I would never intentionally hurt one of my players.”
“In recent weeks, my inappropriate choice of words has been made very public. I immediately understood the harm I caused others and now I apologize again to the Siena community, my team and their families, and all who I may have disappointed.”
“A basketball season is about more than wins and losses — I love my players and remain devoted to them. I have always treated all my players as family, as I would my own family.”
“I am proud of the culture we are creating at Siena within our program. When difficult and painful moments occur, we address them honestly, hold each other accountable, and strive to do better. I know that this period has been painful for our players, coaches, and for my family, and it has been powerfully instructive for me.”
“I have examined my soul and conscious and know that it is on the campus of Siena College and in the company of the young women I am privileged to coach that I can have the most meaningful impact. My goal is to become a better person and coach from this experience, and help make Siena a better place for all of us.”
During Jabir’s absence, the Saints went 6-1, and are now 12-6 (6-2 MAAC) on the season. They host Iona tomorrow at 2pm.
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