Coach appears to headbutt official

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Rich

You know how much I respect you, but I couldn't disagree with you more.

Since the only thing that should happen on the administrative side is arrest/prosecution and the coach/teacher losing his job, I think the *only* discussion here that's worthy is what could have been done differently by the officials -- if only to better prepare us for something like this.

I should have worded that better. I don't mind discussing how the T was called or where he was standing when he did it. My issue here is, primarily, with those who want to discuss the b/c call itself.

We get plenty of b/c videos every month, enough to learn from and debate until we're all blue in the face. I don't see any value in talking about this particular one. We all miss calls, but we shouldn't be afraid that a missed call is going to result in assault. And we shouldn't need the threat of an assault to want to get these calls right.

[LRZ]

The DA has recommended that the coach should be cited for harassment, a summary offense that carries a maximum of 90 days in jail (not likely, in this case) and a maximum fine of $300; no simple assault charge.

In the circumstances of what happened, "a person commits the crime of harassment when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, the person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects the other person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same."

[WhistlesAndStripes]

Originally Posted by LRZ

The DA has recommended that the coach should be cited for harassment, a summary offense that carries a maximum of 90 days in jail (not likely, in this case) and a maximum fine of $300; no simple assault charge.

In the circumstances of what happened, "a person commits the crime of harassment when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, the person strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects the other person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same."

And here is the article from one of the local news stations. It states that he returned to his job as a special education teacher yesterday, but remains suspended as the head basketball coach.

He needs to be fired as coach.

[Dad]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

And here is the article from one of the local news stations. It states that he returned to his job as a special education teacher yesterday, but remains suspended as the head basketball coach.

He needs to be fired as coach.

He needs to be fired then more than just a coach.

[WhistlesAndStripes]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

And here is the article from one of the local news stations. It states that he returned to his job as a special education teacher yesterday, but remains suspended as the head basketball coach.

He needs to be fired as coach.

Originally Posted by Dad

He needs to be fired then more than just a coach.

I was going to try to justify allowing him to continue as teacher, but then remembering that in high school sports, the playing court is an extension of the classroom, I agree.

He needs to be fired as a teacher and a coach.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

I was going to try to justify allowing him to continue as teacher, but then remembering that in high school sports, the playing court is an extension of the classroom, I agree.

He needs to be fired as a teacher and a coach.

If his contract as a coach is not connected with him also being a teacher, then it may be difficult to fire him from both since the actions were not related to his role as a teacher.

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

If his contract as a coach is not connected with him also being a teacher, then it may be difficult to fire him from both since the actions were not related to his role as a teacher.

Yeah, teacher's unions tend to be pretty strong and there's undoubtedly a formal disciplinary process involved in the union contract they have to follow. Even if he is convicted of the criminal charge, it may not be enough to terminate him.

[OKREF]

He most likely has a contract for teaching, with a stipend for coaching. They can take his coaching duties away, but as for the classroom there is a process that must be followed.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by TimTaylor

Yeah, teacher's unions tend to be pretty strong and there's undoubtedly a formal disciplinary process involved in the union contract they have to follow. Even if he is convicted of the criminal charge, it may not be enough to terminate him.

Sadly, that is all too true.

[LRZ]

According to the local newspaper, Devine pleaded guilty to summary harassment and received a $300 fine (the maximum) and court costs.

[Amesman]

If that school administration has any backbone it should still let him know he's on thin ice, and they should compel him to issue apologies all around, first and foremost to the official he assaulted. Doesn't totally make right, but even if the union would have their hands tied, there's still a way to proceed with humility, class and dignity.

[Adam]

I would not work a game in which he was coaching.

[LRZ]

Originally Posted by Adam

I would not work a game in which he was coaching.

Probably not an issue any more. He was immediately suspended and then fired as Neshaminy coach, and many officials doubt he would ever be allowed to coach another PIAA team.

In the aftermath, I worked several Neshaminy JV and 9th grade games, and everyone was on their best behavior.

[griblets]

Originally Posted by Adam

I would not work a game in which he was coaching.

More importantly, my children are not attending his class.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by griblets

More importantly, my children are not attending his class.

Agreed. I'm doubtful that this was his first violent outburst.