Police investigating video showing high schoolers attacking own basketball coach
A New Jersey high school basketball coach was attacked by a group of his own players on Tuesday night, and the incident is under investigation by police.
A video obtained by ABC 7 Eyewitness News claims to show a junior varsity basketball coach from Malcolm X. Shabazz High School in Newark, N.J., being attacked by several of his own players after getting off the bus following a game. Four players are shown punching and kicking the coach repeatedly after the person recording the video was heard yelling, “They about to jump the basketball coach!”
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
It’s unclear what led to the assault, but ABC 7 reports that the coach was trying to stop a group of players from bullying another player. The students involved in the incident have been suspended, and police are reviewing the incident to determine if charges will be filed.
“Our detectives are investigating this incident to identify and to appropriately charge those individuals involved,” Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. “Because high school students are typically juveniles, the names of the suspects will not be released. But those found to have participated in this senseless act of violence will face criminal charges.”
The coach declined medical attention. The video has been shared widely across social media, and other students at Malcolm X. Shabazz High School say they are embarrassed by the incident.
