High School Basketball Coach Fired For Throwing Chair At Game

UPDATE: Nick Moore has been fired as the head coach of Gary Lighthouse Prep Academy. He posted on Facebook this morning that he has been “relieved of his duties” as head coach of the Lions. More was seen on video throwing a chair out of frustration in his team’s loss to Bowman Academy on Saturday. The IHSAA is still looking into the incident. Moore also said on Twitter that he is grateful to have had the opportunity to coach at Lighthouse.

Full statement from Moore:

“I would like to thank Myles Tolliver Sr. For giving me my first crack at being a high school coach I will be forever thankful for that opportunity. I have been relieved of my duties by LCPA as boys coach but ,would also like to thank the parents and players for letting me lead them day in and out it was a pleasure and great ride . They can’t break you because they didn’t make You ! GO WIN STATE FELLAS !  I cannot forget the educators who had those scholars best interest , thank you for putting up with my bugging day and night to push these student athletes to be the best they can be on and off the court.”

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GARY, Ind. — A high school basketball coach seen on video throwing a chair out of frustration at a game in Gary has drawn the eyes of an investigation by the IHSAA.

Nick Moore, the head coach of Gary Lighthouse College Prep Academy, threw a chair across part of the court during a game at Bowman Academy as part of the Steel City Showcase. The incident occurred late in the game with Lighthouse eventually losing to Bowman Academy.

Moore is seen grabbing a chair and about to throw it, but then another coach restrains him. He then grabs another chair and heaves across the court. Moore soon after nearly throws another chair but is restrained a second time. At game’s end, Moore also threw a ball onto the court.

Bob Carney, the former president of the Crossroads Officials Association and a referee with 40 years of experience, said the incident does come as a surprise given the circumstances.

“It really is a sad thing but it occurs more frequently than we can imagine,” Carney said to WISH-TV. “I think it’s more widespread only because it becomes accepted behavior after awhile. Unfortunately, that’s on the official as well.”

Carney believes the refs in the game could have exuded more control over the game in order to keep tempers from flaring, but that that doesn’t excuse Coach Moore’s actions.

“The simple fact is, when everything is all said and done, it’s just a game,” Carney said. “They see it all. The good, the bad, the ugly, etc. You can do anything at all after the fact to make it a teaching moment that everyone learns and gets better as a result of whatever did transpire.”

Carney isn’t saying what he thinks should be done to either the school or the coach but says he has faith the IHSAA will do the right thing.

Gary Lighthouse Prep Academy said they are investigating the incident and won’t comment any further. The IHSAA, who is also investigating, has declined to comment as well.

Moore played for Bowman Academy in high school and even won a state championship with the school in 2010.