Yahoo Finance Newark mayor gets involved after HS basketball players allegedly beat up their coach
On Tuesday, social media video surfaced of a Newark, New Jersey high school basketball coach getting beat up by a group of four men. The attack was allegedly perpetrated by some of his players.
On Thursday, Newark police confirmed they were investigating students from Malcolm X Shabazz High School for the assault, which drew condemnation from Mayor Ras Baraka.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m., according to New York’s ABC News 7. Authorities told the news station that the junior varsity basketball coach was assaulted after exiting the team bus following a return trip from a road game.
Coach reportedly tried to stop bullying incident
The coach attempted to prevent his players from bullying another student. Instead, they turned on him, according to the report. The coach wasn’t badly injured and declined medical attention, according to the report.
Video of the assault is below. (Warning, the footage here contains violence)
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
Four students have been suspended and face criminal charges in relation to the attack, according to the report.
“Because high school students are typically juveniles, the names of the suspects will not be released,” public safety director Anthony Ambrose told ABC 7. “But those found to have participated in this senseless act of violence will face criminal charges.”
Mayor’s response
The incident prompted a visit to the school from Mayor Baraka, who condemned the attack in a statement to ABC 7.
“I spoke to the superintendent, principal, coaches and team,” Baraka said. “The actions of these students will not be tolerated, and they don't represent the majority of the school. The school and team have many great kids, who go on to college and do great things, and we're proud of them.
“We support the superintendent and principal and will do whatever we can to make the rest of the year successful.”
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