Homewood-Flossmoor Girls Basketball Coach May Not Return

Homewood-Flossmoor girls basketball coach Anthony Smith may not resume his roles next year, as coach or teacher.

In a preliminary decision, the District 233 school board voted to not renew the contract for Anthony Smith, whose coaching practices came under scrutiny this season and led to his suspension in February. Just before the start of the playoffs, the IHSA forfeited the team's wins, and banned the team from the tournament. 

Board President Richard Lites stated that the board takes similar action with all first-year teachers, and often renews their contracts later if circumstances warrant, Chicago Tribune reports. 

Smith also teaches driver’s education, physical education and health at the school, Sun-Times Media reports. Assistant coach Evan Bercot also did not have his contract renewed, according to the report.

Parents and players filed into the meeting Tuesday to speak on Smith's behalf. Senior Lexi Smith said the coach made the team the "best in the nation," despite his repeated violations of bylaws. 

“No one believes that you’re cheaters,” school board president Richard Lites said to Smith, according to Sun-Times Media.

A player filed a lawsuit in January, claiming that Smith promised the parents of six new players who played on Smith's summer league team who transferred from other schools that their girls would have starting positions and they would get help in getting athletic scholarships for college, according to reports. The IHSA has a rule that prohibits any recruiting, no matter where the students live.

That lawsuit was dropped in March.

Get the rest of the story on Sun-Times Media.