Amherst assistant basketball coach fired over player's actions

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Assistant Amherst Regional High School basketball coach Eric Wheeler has been fired, after he allegedly told one of his players to run into an opposing team’s coach during a recent game.

During the game on January 14, the player ran into South Hadley’s coach twice. The incident was investigated by the school district, and after conducting interviews with coaches and players and viewing two separate videos of the incident, they determined that Wheeler suggested that the player do what he did.

According to a statement from the school district, Wheeler had been frustrated because the South Hadley coach was not being penalized for being out of the coaching box. Wheeler allegedly believed that if the player made contact with the coach, a technical foul would be assessed.

The student who ran into the coach admitted to his actions. Superintendent Maria Geryk says that the student will be disciplined, but they cannot specify what will be done, in accordance with state law.

In the meantime, Geryk has issued an apology to the South Hadley schools, and the athletic directors and coaches are meeting with the basketball team to explain what happened, and why it was not acceptable.