Leechburg School Board Decides Not To Renew Contract Of Boys' Basketball Coach
LEECHBURG (KDKA) -- Leechburg School officials decided not to renew the contract of boys' basketball coach at a packed Wednesday night school board meeting as other issues hang over the district.
A police officer had to move in after the school board announced the decision not to rehire basketball coach, Damien Davies. The move caused an uproar among the crowd.
The vote was 5-3 not to renew his position with the team.
KDKA's Kym Gable: "What's your next course of action?"
Davies: "I think people don't want me to… I mean, that was a lot of statements. They don't want me to give up on them and give up on the students."
Before the vote, parents, students and team members pleaded with the board to keep Davies.
"This is a great time in our lives and we have things to look forward to; however, we are also learning and we do stupid things," said one of the basketball players. "I urge you not to judge us, all of us, based on one mistake."
Police had investigated an alleged tradition of hazing on the team that the police chief originally said may have led to the level of sexual assaults. No criminal charges were filed.
"Not only were there no criminal charges filed, he [Davies] has spoken with everybody, he explained the circumstances, the district spent thousands of dollars on a report," said Larry Lutz, Davies' attorney. "We asked just for a summary of the report; tell us what it says about Damien Davies."
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There are two other looming issues in the school district, a weapon that was brought to school and a former substitute teacher is under investigation for inappropriate contact allegations.
Parents say they found out too late.
"We are supportive of the parents, and we really are concerned about the kids and a safe school environment," said Acting Superintendent Dr. Frank Prazenica. "We really want a safe school environment, believe me. And we are trying to do everything possible, and all else I can tell you is I think we have done what we needed to do."