Chicago basketball coach out after altercation allegations
CHICAGO (AP) - The coach of a top-ranked Illinois high school boys' basketball team has been removed from his position following an allegation that he had a physical altercation with a student.
Mike Oliver was removed as coach at Curie Metropolitan High School, Chicago Public Schools said in a news release. It did not say if Oliver was suspended or fired.
Oliver told WBBM-TV that the allegation stems from his role as a security guard at the school.
'œIt's all false accusations,'ť he told the Chicago Sun-Times. 'ťI haven't done anything wrong. I was doing my job at Curie. That's all I can say. I'm under investigation."
'œI've worked for CPS in security for 27 years, and I've never had an allegation against me,'ť he added. 'ťI've never even had a write-up from a principal or a parent conference.'ť
The allegation is being investigated by the district which also is making sure support is available to the student, according to a district spokesman.
Oliver was suspended in 2014 after several players were found to be academically ineligible and again in 2016 after a forfeit loss in Michigan City, Indiana, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The Condors are 21-1 this season. Oliver compiled a 542-133 record in 27 seasons and led the team to the 4A state title in 2015-16, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Assistant coach Larry Wallace has taken over the program.