The head basketball coach at Neshaminy High School has been relieved of his duties after a video of him making physical contact with a referee went viral.
During a vote Tuesday night, members of the Neshaminy school board unanimously voted to terminate Jerry Devine as the head basketball coach.
Devine did not attend the meeting.
According to Assistant Superintendent Don Harm, it is anticipated that the current interim coach will continue his duties until the season is over.
The incident happened on January 5 during a game between Neshaminy High School and Pennsbury High School.
Following a call that went against him team, Devine walked onto the court and appeared to head-butt a referee, knocking the ref to the ground. Devine was then thrown out of the game.
The incident was captured on several different cameras and quickly went viral.
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Devine was immediately suspended from his coaching and teaching duties. Devine is a special education teacher in the Neshaminy school district.
On January 12, Devine was reinstated to his teaching position, but remained on indefinite suspension as coach until the school board’s vote Tuesday night.
Based on a recommendation by Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler, Devine faces a summary harassment charge filed by the Middletown Police Department. If convicted, Devine could face up to 90 days in prison, although Heckler said prison time is unlikely.
