Following First Round Exit, Seton Hall Fires Basketball Coach Gonzalez

South Orange, N.J., United States (AHN) – Seton Hall, still smarting from a disappointing first-round loss in the NIT Tuesday, decided to let go of embattled Pirates coach Bobby Gonzalez Wednesday.

The school did not provide a specific reason for dismissing the volatile Gonzalez, ending a tumultuous four-year tenure as the Pirates basketball head coach.

Known for his fiery personality, Gonzalez has had run-ins with other coaches and officials in the past.

Apart from his antics on and off the court, Gonzalez also came under fire for the controversies surrounding the Pirates.

Former Pirates junior forward Robert Mitchell was arrested Tuesday in Newark and charged with robbery, kidnapping and burglary.

Mitchell, 23, was kicked off the team Sunday by Gonzalez for making critical comments on the latter.

If convicted, Mitchell could be imprisoned for more than 20 years.

On Tuesday, Texas Tech posted an 87-69 conquest of the Pirates, who played without forward Herb Pope, ejected in the first half of the contest.

Apart from the banishment of Pope, who hit a Tech player below the belt, Gonzalez was also slapped his seventh technical foul of the season.

Under Gonzalez’ watch, the Pirates registered a 19-win season, including 9-9 in the Big East this year, both four-year highs for the former Manhattan College head coach.

He has compiled an overall 66-59 record and a 29-45 mark at Seton Hall.

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