In a video that has now gone viral, a New Jersey high school basketball coach is seen being jumped by his own players.
The incident occurred at Malcolm X. Shabazz High School in Newark and according to sources, took place when the coach attempted to stop his players from bullying another teammate, Daily News reports.
According to ABC 7 in New York, which uploaded footage of the incident, the team was returning back to the school from an away game in Livingston and had just exited the bus when the attack occurred.
Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose spoke out on the incident stating, “Our detectives are investigating this incident to identify and to appropriately charge those individuals. 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 school has taken action and suspended those involved in the altercation.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka also spoke out on the incident, ensuring the community that the school will handle this matter properly.
“I spoke to the superintendent, principal, coaches, and team,” Ras Baraka said. “The actions of these students will not be tolerated, and they don’t represent the majority of the school. The school and team have many great kids who go on to college and do great things, and we’re proud of them. We support the superintendent and principal and will do whatever we can to make the rest of the year successful.”
According to ABC7, students of the school are embarrassed by the incident.
Nashawn Holmes, student of Malcolm X Shabazz high, spoke with the news outlet stating, “It’s kind of embarrassing.”
Students of the school have also reported that incidents like this aren’t uncommon for them.
The coach was not in need of any medical assistance following the fight.
“We should be getting seen for better things like our community, our teams,” Holmes continued.
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
