Chicago police and CPS security look to restore peace after Simeon played Morgan Park on January 16, 2013 I Scott Stewart~Sun-Times
Simeon coach Robert Smith and Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin have each been suspended for four games by Chicago Public Schools officials, the CPS confirmed on Wednesday.
The suspensions come in the aftermath of the dust-up that occurred between the two teams after Saturday's game at Chicago State.
CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett released the following statement:
"Coaches in Chicago Public Schools must serve as mentors, instructors and role models for our students both on and off the court or field of competition. The children under their charge take their cues from them on what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Knowing this, coaches must at all times conduct themselves in a professional and sportsmanlike manner. Through both words and actions, the boys basketball coaches of Morgan Park and Simeon High Schools on Jan. 16 violated the Code of Conduct to which they all must subscribe as a basic responsibility of their positions. We have taken the proper disciplinary steps to address their actions."
Neither coach returned calls for comment. Both coaches must attend the games in a non-coaching capacity.
Smith will miss Simeon’s game against Bogan on Wednesday and Saturday’s game against Young at Chicago State that will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
He will also miss a home game against Harlan on Friday and a game in Las Vegas against Coronado, Nev., on Feb. 2.
According to a source, Simeon sophomore coach Leonard Thomas will take over the varsity during Smith's absence.
Irvin will miss games against Julian at home on Wednesday, at Carver on Thursday, at Bogan on Jan. 28 and at home against Harlan on Jan. 30.
Young is ranked No. 2 in USA Today and Simeon is No. 10.
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