ESPN Chicago
Scott Powers, ESPN Staff Writer 11y

Jabari Parker's coach suspended

High School

Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin and Simeon coach Robert Smith each have been suspended four games because of their conduct following their teams' game Jan. 16, according to a Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman on Wednesday.

The game, won by Simeon, ended with an altercation between the teams as they lined up to shake hands. The players were separated by their coaches and security. Irvin and Smith reportedly continued yelling at each other after the altercation.

In an unrelated incident, a Morgan Park student was fatally shot after the game outside the arena.

"The coaches were not suspended due to any kind of shooting that was unrelated to what happened inside the game," Chicago Public Schools press secretary Marielle Sainvilus said Wednesday. "They were also not suspended because of anything that happened between the students. Their suspension, which is common for any type of unsportsmanlike behavior which is exhibited throughout the game, was due to their behavior toward each other after the game."

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett also released a statement on the suspensions.

"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," Byrd-Bennett said in the statement. "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."

Irvin and Smith must attend their teams' next four games but in a non-coaching capacity.

Smith will sit out Saturday's ESPNU-televised game against Whitney Young at Chicago State. Simeon, which features Duke recruit and No. 2 senior Jabari Parker, is ranked No. 11 in the ESPN 25 Power Rankings. Whitney Young, which features No. 2 junior Jahlil Okafor, is ranked No. 4.

Irvin and Smith could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. Both have been told not to speak with the media, according to a source.

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