old school -- sometimes i try and defend you -- but here I cannot -- the AD should have issued you a T.
as for what this coach is doing great for him!!!
Many coaches preach a tough philosophy, but when faced with following through and benching one of their top players for a big game they buckle. Parents will whine about something or the other -- I think as a coach your single most important philosphy should be DLITGTFO -- "Dont like it then get the F*&% out"