East Aurora coach accused of choking player resigns

A sophomore basketball coach from East Aurora High School has resigned but will not be criminally charged for choking a player after losing a game, authorities said Tuesday.

Archie Hubbard resigned Feb. 6, two days after the alleged choking incident, a school spokesman said.

At least six teammates witnessed the attack in the East Aurora locker room after returning from Bartlett High School, where they lost a game, Aurora Police Lt. Pete Inda said.

He said a team rule prevents players from speaking on the bus ride home after a loss, but the victim — a 16-year-old sophomore from Aurora — spoke to other players anyway. He said tensions continued to mount in the locker room.

“The coach grabbed a gym bag out of his hand, and then the player snatched it back,” Inda said. “That’s what initiated the physical confrontation.”

The student was not injured, and Hubbard will not be charged, Inda said. He declined to elaborate.

Hubbard was not a teacher at the district, but has been a sophomore basketball coach for more than eight years, said East Aurora Unit District 131 spokesman Clayton Muhammed.

“The incident was brought forward by both players and coaches; it was a pretty public display,” Muhammed said. “The player remains on the sophomore basketball team.”

Inda said the player’s family was kept apprised of the investigation. He said police interviewed Hubbard, but Inda said he could not divulge any details.

Hubbard could not be reached for comment Tuesday.