New court date set for Bryant basketball coach charged in hit-and-run crash

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Bryant University head basketball coach Jared Grasso, accused of causing a hit-and-run crash, has a new court date set.

Grasso was originally set to face a judge Tuesday, and the arraignment was pushed back a week.

He faces a misdemeanor charge of failure to stop for accident resulting in damage to a vehicle.

Grasso, 43, is accused of taking off after sideswiping a car on West Acres Interchange at Route 146 on the morning of Oct. 1.

North Smithfield police released body-worn camera footage of an officer speaking with Grasso one day after the alleged incident.

Police release bodycam footage of Bryant University head basketball coach Jared Grasso, standing next to a white SUV believed to have been involved in a hit-and-run crash. (North Smithfield police)

The officer and Grasso walk toward a white SUV in the driveway with passenger side damage.

Grasso said it was his vehicle, but claimed someone had hit it while he was inside Blackie’s restaurant.

“That’s weird, because we had a hit-and-run on 146, and they got your plates specifically,” the officer said.

This is a photo of Bryant University men’s basketball head coach Jared Grasso. (WLNE)

Grasso was formally charged a few days later.

Bryant University said Grasso was placed on a leave of absence from coaching duties on Sept. 27. He remains suspended from all university-related projects and is prohibited from being on campus during the investigation.

It’s unclear if the university’s external investigation involves the misdemeanor he faces.