Colgate lacrosse team suspended over mysterious ‘electronic communications’

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Colgate has suspended its men’s varsity lacrosse team and social activities related to the program amid an investigation of “electronic communications” among the players that potentially violated university and student conduct policies, according to the Colgate Maroon-News.

This suspension comes roughly three-plus months ahead of the 2027 season, and the specifics of the communications were not revealed.

Athletics director Yariv Amir and Dean of the College Dr. Paul J. McLoughlin reportedly emailed students Tuesday stating they learned Monday of communications that “indicate potential violations of several policies and student conduct standards that are outlined in the Colgate University Student Handbook,” according to cnycentral.com.

“As with all student conduct investigations, the University does not predetermine any findings of responsibility or of outcomes,” the email continued, per cnycentral.com. “We will follow our processes as outlined in the Colgate University Student Handbook and the Colgate Student Athlete Handbook and provide all students with support throughout the investigation.”

The Colgate Student Athlete Handbook says student-athletes who do not meet the expectations established by both the university and the athletics department “may be subject to discipline,” which potentially includes “suspension from team activities, including practice and/or competition, and the reduction of cancelation of athletics scholarship (pursuant to NCAA regulations).”

Colgate, based in Hamilton, N.Y., went 6-9 last season and 4-4 in Patriot League play, and last qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2025, falling to Penn State in its first game.

Its 2027 schedule is not yet listed on the university website, but the Raiders opened their 2026 season on Feb. 1.

Colgate has doled out athletic team suspensions in recent years, having suspended the rowing team from all activities and its first meet in 2017 due to hazing and the men’s swimming and diving team in 2018 from fall competition and a winter training trip because of policy violations regarding hazing and “high-risk alcohol consumption,” according to the school.