×

Visiting coach suspended after incident in stands at Warren game

A visiting basketball coach who charged into the stands to confront a fan at Warren Area High School has been suspended.

Paul Przepierski, Strong Vincent High School girls basketball head coach, and a health and physical education teacher at JoAnna Connell Elementary School in the Erie School District (ESD), can be seen in an altercation with a fan at Monday night’s varsity girls basketball game on video shared with the Times Observer.

According to ESD Coordinator of Grants and Community Relations Daria Devlin, Przepierski was “placed on paid suspension pending the results of a district investigation.”

She said the school board was notified “first thing” Tuesday morning.

“Positive athletic experiences are important to our students and we are committed to ensuring sportsmanship at all athletic events,” Devlin said. “We are taking this incident very seriously and working with both the Warren County School District and District 10 to investigate fully.”

Warren County School District is also investigating the incident, according to district officials.

“No matter what the details, we would hope our coaches would serve as better examples,” Jay Badams, Erie School District superintendent, told the Erie Times News on Tuesday.

The incident began as a verbal argument between Przepierski and the fan, which resulted in him going through the Warren bench and into the stands. Multiple Strong Vincent players entered the stands in an attempt to restrain Przepierski.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today