High School Coach Suspends Himself

(the links in the blog will open in the current window. Use your 'Back' button to return to Wagdogs.)

Check out the story of Jenks (Oklahoma) High School coach, Allan Trimble, who allegedly suspended himself for the remainder of the season after he was ruled to have facilitated the use of an ineligible player in 2008 and was forced to forfeit 9 wins from that season. He was found guilty of, among other things, arranging for a transfer student from Virginia (who was academically ineligible at his previous high school) to live with a Jenks booster in Oklahoma and play football for Jenks. The student has committed to the University of Oklahoma on a football scholarship.

On the surface, it seems like a noble gesture by the coach, demonstrating to the kids that he coaches that he is taking responsibility for violations committed by the program. My suspicion is that Coach Trimble, having been directly implicated in the violations, is trying to save himself from further investigations and sanctions by preempting any disciplinary actions by the state athletic association or school. The coach has suspended himself for the remainder of the regular season. As of now, Jenks is only on probation, meaning that they're still eligible for post-season playoffs, and the self-imposed suspension will be over by then. The question will be whether the school or state athletic association sees through the charade, and/or has the courage to take the appropriate action. More interesting will be the reaction by the Jenks community should further sanctions be imposed.

Posted By: Jim Roynan

Comments: