FGCU men's tennis coach put on administrative leave
Davidson Kozlowski was hired by the university in June 2023
Davidson Kozlowski was hired by the university in June 2023
Davidson Kozlowski was hired by the university in June 2023
Florida Gulf Coast University has placed men's tennis coach Davidson Kozlowski on administrative leave.
Kozlowski was suspended with pay, according to FGCU. He was hired by FGCU in June 2023 from Drake University.
The NCAA is investigating Kozlowski for rule violations.
Kozlowski recruited a four-year player from Bucknell University named Harrison Gold.
Gold was going to transfer to FGCU in the spring; however, Kozlowski reportedly convinced Gold to come to Southwest Florida early.
Gold allegedly continued to take his Bucknell classes online while practicing with the FGCU team, which is a major NCAA violation.
According to reports, Gold also didn't have a place to stay in Southwest Florida and had been living in a hotel for the past two months.
Kozlowski reportedly said he would reimburse Gold for that, but he never did, and now FGCU owes Gold approximately $10,000.
Gold said Kozlowski abruptly took away his spot on the team, despite them having a good relationship and Gold being a former five-star recruit.
According to Gold, Kozlowski would also gamble with his players when they played pickleball together.
Gold said the coach took thousands of dollars away from him and his final year of eligibility.
Kozlowski coached the Drake University Bulldogs for 11 seasons, leading them to eight NCAA tournament appearances, two NCAA tournament wins and seven conference tournament championships.
Kozlowski is also a Sarasota native, according to FGCU Athletics' website.
FGCU has not shared any further information as to why or a timetable for the suspension.
The men's tennis team is in the middle of the off-season, with the season scheduled to start in September against UCF.
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