Sometimes, high school coaches will get heated. Because basketball sidelines are so close in proximity to the court, coaches have the ability to voice their opinion at the referees a lot more easily than with other sports.
During a high school game in Philadelphia between Neshaminy and Pennsbury, the former’s head coach, Jerry Devine, got upset with one of the officials with less than a minute left in the game after a charging foul. Devine and the referee had a confrontation and Devine appeared to headbutt the official.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lHpCW2lhhM]
Neshaminy High later released a statement on the incident and stated that Devine had been placed on leave until the matter can be straightened out.
“The administration at Neshaminy School District is conducting a thorough review of an incident at the varsity basketball game Tuesday evening (January 5, 2016) involving coach Jerry Devine and a referee. Appropriate action was taken at the game following that incident, and further measures may follow depending on the outcome of that review. As this is a personnel matter, we will not be able to comment on the specifics of any possible disciplinary action until that review process is complete.”
“Mr. Devine has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of that review for both his teaching and coaching positions. The athletic program at Neshaminy places the values of fair play and sportsmanlike conduct above all. We expect our coaches and staff to teach and uphold those principles, while acting in a professional manner at all times.”
This is likely going to hurt the play of the kids on the court during his suspension. Coaches sometimes lose their cool, but this time it could have cost him a lot more than just a game or two.
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