Reggie Theus files battery complaint against his now-former boss

FAIRFAX, VA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Reggie Theus of the Cal State Northridge Matadors looks on during a college basketball tournament against the George Mason Patriots at the Eagle Bank Arena on November 18, 2017 in Fairfax, Virginia. The Patriots won 78-73 in overtime. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Reggie Theus lost his job at Cal State Northridge on Tuesday, but things apparently got very heated between he and his former boss.

After a 6-24 record this season to continue a decline in win total, and being the only team not to qualify for the Big West Tournament, Reggie Theus was fired as head coach at Cal State Northridge on Tuesday. But now, Theus has filed a battery complaint against athletic director Brandon Martin following an altercation during the meeting where he was fired.

Cal State Northridge police chief Anne Glavin told ESPN the incident occurred at 3:43 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, and is being investigated.

“A complaint of battery on a person was made to the CSUN Department of police services by Reggie Theus against Brandon Martin,” Glavin said. “This case is under investigation and we are not releasing any further details at this time.”

Martin, obviously, informed Theus he was being fired and a verbal altercation ensued. ESPN’s source says the two men did not throw punches, but were chest-to-chest. The two apparently had a tenuous relationship, which could be expected with the Matadors winning just 36 games over the last four seasons.

Theus’ first stint in college coaching was pretty successful, with a 41-23 record over two seasons at New Mexico State, highlighted by a 25-win, NCAA Tournament campaign in 2006-07. He then spent time in the NBA, as head coach of the Sacramento Kings and as an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves, before returning to the college level at Cal State Northridge in 2013.

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The president at Cal State Northridge, Dr. Dianne F. Harrison, issued a statement on the school also parting ways with Martin.

“I want to thank both Coach Theus and Dr. Martin for their dedication to Matador Athletics. We wish them the best moving forward,” Harrison said. “CSUN is absolutely committed to the success of Matador Athletics and to supporting our student-athletes.”

Theus could be equally guilty, so he’s taking a risk that his own conduct toward Martin will be revealed in an investigation. No matter the outcome, the whole situation stemming from his dismissal at Cal State Northridge will reflect poorly on Theus as he seeks another coaching job.