in a july 21, 2016 article in the washington post, several former players charged lonergan with "verbal and emotional abuse", charges that lonergan did not respond to in a statement. the article also noted that three players transferred out of the university after each of the previous four seasons. later that day, george washington university announced that it was hiring outside counsel to assist in the investigation of these allegations. lonergan was fired on september 16, 2016, reportedly on the basis of the allegations. nearly a year later on september 13, 2017, lonergan and george washington officials settled the former coach's legal dispute against the school over his firing. both sides continue to maintain their initial positions, but per the agreement the settlement cannot be publicly discussed.