Bethel School District in Washington State says it is investigating a social media post by Dave, a first year wrestling coach at Bethel High School, according to KIRO 7 and KOMO.
The post showed Dave with a knee pressed against the back of his neck. The caption read, in part, “Not dead yet,” and went on to criticize the media as a “race baiting machine” and to say he would speak out every time.
The post was a reaction to video of a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, who said he could not breathe and later died. All four officers who responded have been fired.
The coach responds
Dave spoke with KOMO on Wednesday and acknowledged the post was insensitive. “I’m not a racist man,” he said, adding that he was sorry if he offended anyone and that the picture was not meant to be racist. He told the station he has experience in ground fighting and was trying to make a point about the restraint technique. KIRO 7 reported that the post has since been deleted from his page.
Parents react
Some parents in the district said the post was unacceptable. Jay, a district parent who also coaches youth sports, told KIRO 7 that the post lacked humanity and integrity. George-Jean, a parent with two daughters in the district, said she was shocked and that the post showed racial bias. Some parents have called for the district to fire him.
What the district said
District spokesperson Doug Boyles told KIRO 7 in an email, “We are investigating the post.” He said Dave is not a teacher, that this was his first year coaching wrestling at Bethel High School, and that because the wrestling season is over he is not currently working for the district. The district declined an on camera interview. As of this report, the investigation was ongoing and no employment decision had been announced.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
Let’s also remember there were two other cops also kneeling on his back where his lungs are!