Bloomfield Hills varsity basketball head coach accused of slapping player

District: Coach also touched another player's hair, made 'nappy hair' reference

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – A varsity basketball head coach has resigned after he allegedly slapped a player and touch another player's hair during practice, Bloomfield Hills Schools officials said.

Bloomfield Hills Schools administrators were made aware Thursday of two incidents involving varsity basketball head coach Duane Graves and two student athletes on the basketball team, the district said.

According to the district's investigation, during basketball practice Wednesday evening, Graves became upset with a player on the team and used his palm to slap the player on the face.

Graves told district administrators that he spoke with the student and apologized for his actions.

Also during Wednesday evening's practice, Graves touched another player's hair and reportedly made a reference to "nappy hair," according to Bloomfield Hills Schools officials. Graves later apologized to the student for the incident.

Over the course of the investigation, the district said it found that players do not believe Graves intended to hurt either student and asked both students if they were all right at the end of practice.

Graves contacted administration early Thursday to apologize for his actions and offer his resignation, the district said.

"Notwithstanding the intent of Mr. Graves, the interaction with the student athletes is unacceptable," the district said in a statement. "Mr. Graves is employed by EduStaff, a third-party employer, and assigned to Bloomfield Hills Schools."

Nick Stration will serve as the head varsity basketball coach for the balance of the season. The school district said Stration is the current freshman boys' basketball coach and will continue in both positions.

Administrators met with the basketball team Thursday to advise them of the resignation and coaching change.

A letter was also sent to the families of the basketball players, the district said.


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