DA: Coach should be cited for harassment in ref altercation
Posted Jan 13, 2016 1:07 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – A Pennsylvania prosecutor says he recommends a harassment citation for a suburban Philadelphia high school coach who physically confronted a referee during a basketball game.
Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler announced the decision Wednesday in the case of Neshaminy High School coach Jerry Devine.
Devine was ejected after physically confronting a referee Jan. 5 after a foul call. He was suspended from his coaching duties, but was allowed to return to his teaching job this week.
Prosecutors said the count is punishable by a jail sentence of up to 90 days and a fine not to exceed $300, but Heckler said he does not expect any jail time.
Devine’s phone rang unanswered Wednesday. A school district spokesman declined comment on the decision and said the coach’s status remains unchanged.
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This story has been corrected to show the announcement was made on Wednesday, not Tuesday.
