Charges Dropped Against Bryant Coach Accused In Crash: Report

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI — The misdemeanor charges against the Bryant University men's basketball head coach who was accused of causing a car crash the evening of Oct. 1 were dismissed Tuesday, his lawyer told WPRI.

Jared Grasso had been charged with failing to stop in an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle, but his lawyer is "very pleased" to say that the matter has since been dropped, the outlet reported. The reason for the dismissal was not stated.

Grasso, who has taken a leave of absence from the team, was accused of sideswiping a woman's vehicle and then continuing down Route 146 South by the West Acres Interchange in North Smithfield, WPRI reported.

After getting Grasso's license plate, police determined that his car was the one involved in the crash the previous night, according to a police report obtained by the outlet.

Grasso was booked and released before his Oct. 24 court appearance, the report said.

Grasso entered his sixth season as the head coach of the Bryant University men's basketball program in 2023-24, signing a contract extension through 2026-27 on April 4, 2022.

ESPN reported in late September that Grasso was taking a leave of absence, citing a school spokesperson.

Associate head coach Phil Martelli Jr. will serve as the acting head coach during Grasso's absence, according to the outlet.

Patch reached out to the North Smithfield Police Department for more information.