Coach: Slap, Hair Comment 'Taken Out of Context, Blown Out of Proportion'

Coach Duane Graves led the Black Hawks to the state Class A championships last year, the inaugural season for the merged Lahser and Andover teams. ( Photo via MIPrepZone.com)

_______

A Bloomfield Hills basketball coach who allegedly slapped one player and referred to another’s hair as “nappy” thinks too much was made of the events that led to his resignation last month.

Duane Graves told Hometown Life that the events were “were taken out of context and blown out of proportion.”

“Those reports led to my voluntary resignation from the Bloomfield Hills Black Hawks, due to my desire to not bring any more undeserved and negative attention on myself, my family and my team,” he said.

The alleged slap was a case of accidental contact during the drill and the comments about the other player’s hari “were taken out of context,” he said.

Previously on this topic:

• School: Coach Out After Slapping Student, ‘Nappy’ Hair Comment

The school district said in a statement that Graves version of the events is “inconsistent with our investigation.”

“However, we appreciate the sentiment of not wanting to bring more negative attention to the team,” the statement went on to say. “Our focus is on them and the remainder of their season. As an organization we are moving forward.”

Graves wasn’t a district employee, but was employed by a the third-party employer, EduStaff, which contracts with the district.

Graves said he has no ill-feelings toward players, their families or the school district.

“I have never been in a situation like this,” he added. “I coach because I love the game and I do my best to teach the players responsibility, self-discipline and that they can achieve anything when they are willing to work for it.”

Bloomfield Hills opens state tournament play tonight (Wednesday), when the Black Hawks attempt to defend their district title against Birmingham Brother Rice at North Farmington High School.

» Get the Bloomfield-Bloomfield Hills daily newsletter and e-alerts.