Manhattan To Keep Masiello, But There's One Important Catch
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The episode was embarrassing and easily could have ended with Steve Masiello looking for work.
But Manhattan chose to go another route, one that will allow a successful coach to stay where he is, but at the same time hold him accountable for his mistakes.
Manhattan announced on Monday that Masiello, 36, will be retained in the wake of his embarrassing resume scandal, but will not be allowed to resume coaching until he actually gets his degree from the University of Kentucky.
Masiello guided the Jaspers to a 25-8 record and into the NCAA tournament this past season. His turnaround of the program in three short years wasn't lost on the University of South Florida, which offered him a job.
Masiello accepted, but there was just one problem -- he lied about his bachelor's degree.
South Florida rescinded and Manhattan was forced to choose between firing its coach -- who still has two years left on his contract -- for lying on his resume or coming up with some way to bring him back, yet sending a serious message.
The school did that on Monday, announcing Masiello would return but only upon completion of his undergraduate degree.
"I am extremely grateful and humbled by the opportunity to continue as the head men's basketball coach at Manhattan College," Masiello said in a statement. "I made a mistake that could have cost me my job at an institution I love. Details matter. Manhattan College has shown me a great deal of compassion and trust during this process, and I will do everything in my power to uphold that trust. I understand that I am very fortunate to have the chance to remain here at Manhattan."
Masiello will be on unpaid leave until he completes his work at Kentucky. Associate head coach Matt Grady will be at the helm until Masiello returns.
"After an extensive review of the situation and extenuating circumstances, we determined that Mr. Masiello executed poor judgment but did not intentionally misrepresent himself in applying to the College," Manhattan College President Brennan O'Donnell said. "After participating in graduation ceremonies at the University of Kentucky, he enrolled in summer courses with the intention of completing his degree, but never followed through to make sure that the degree was awarded. We appreciate the counsel of all involved in assessing this complex situation. Our policy was always that the coach must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. We are confident that Mr. Masiello will be able to complete his degree this summer and return soon thereafter to resume his duties."
Masiello is 60-39 during his three years at Manhattan.
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