Schools

IHSA: Former H-F Coach Anthony Smith Can Return to Coaching

Smith can return to a coaching role immediately, the association has ruled.

Anthony Smith is free to coach high school sports again, IHSA ruled Tuesday.

Smith, who had been suspended in February after alleged recruiting violations, can return to coaching immediately, Sun-Times Media reports. The association's board also stated that its investigation into the school was closed.

Smith will not be returning to H-F, however, as the District 233 school board voted earlier this month to not renew his contract. Alleged bylaw violations by Smith brought the basketball program under scrutiny. 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. The investigation led to the IHSA forcing the team's forfeiture of wins and banning it from the playoffs. 

That lawsuit was dropped in March.

>>Read more on Sun-Times Media. 

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