Most violence at high school sporting events involves players confronting other players, but in New Jersey last week a group of four junior varsity players turned their anger on their own coach.
Members of the Malcolm X Shabazz High School JV basketball team were returning to Newark after a game in Livingston, when four of the players repeatedly punched and kicked their coach in a violent attack that was later labeled an aggravated assault by police who responded to the location.
Disturbing video out of Newark, NJ where a high school basketball coach was attacked by his own players. Police are working to identify the suspects. (Sharing recut video due to offensive language) Live report on Eyewitness News and updates here: https://t.co/ASc7PagSOp pic.twitter.com/5elHx2ujQo
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) February 6, 2020
NJ Advance Media obtained a video of the incident which shows at least four players knocking the coach to the ground while punching and kicking him repeatedly outside the school. The video of the attack lasts about 25 seconds.
The players involved in the assault were immediately suspended.
“We support the superintendent and principal and will do what we can to make the rest of the year successful,” Newark mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. “The actions of these students will not be tolerated. It does not represent the majority of the school. The school and team have great kids. Many of them go on to college and on to do great things.”
Newark Public Schools has launched an investigation into the incident.
