Oregon H.S. basketball coach fired after allegedly pushing player
An Oregon high school basketball coach has been fired for allegedly pushing a player at a recent tournament, OregonLive.com's Andrew Nemec reports.
Lake Oswego head coach Mark Shoff was fired amid an investigation into a reported incident at the Les Schwab Invitational on Dec. 28. The school released a statement explaining the decision to fire longtime the head coach and teacher in the school district.
“Regarding Lake Oswego High School Boys Basketball Program, Mark Shoff will not be coaching the LOHS boys basketball team for the remainder of the season, following an investigation of concerns raised at last week’s Les Schwab Invitational Tournament. Lake Oswego High School will conduct a search for an interim coach to complete the season; current assistant coaches will manage the team until an interim coach is selected. A search for a permanent head coach will be conducted in the spring. LOHS administration and staff are focused on supporting their student athletes and families during this transition, and on ensuring the inclusive and safe school environment that the Lake Oswego School District stands for. As a matter of policy, the Lake Oswego School District does not discuss information involving personnel records.”
The incident in question involves Shoff making physical contact with a player in the final moments of a game and a parent has provided video to OregonLive.com of what they claim to be what led to the firing. The parent noted that they showed the video to school district officials.
Shoff has been the head coach of the basketball program at Lake Oswego for more than 19 years, but this is not the first time he has been the subject of controversy. Back in 2010, he was reprimanded for using excessive force on a student in a gym class after stepping on the student while he did push-ups.
Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love played for Shoff at Lake Oswego before graduating in 2007.
- Jack Jorgensen
