Neshaminy Coach Charged With Harassment

Neshaminy High School basketball coach Jerry Devine has been charged with harassment for apparently head-butting a referee during his team’s game on Jan. 5. Immediately following the incident, which occurred with less than one minute remaining in a game against Pennsbury High School and was caught on video, the school district placed Devine on administrative leave.

According to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Devine will receive a court summons in the mail, 6ABC reports. Despite being charged with harassment, it appears likely that Devine will avoid a charge of misdemeanor simple assault, a more serious offense.

Although Devine remains suspended as the school’s basketball coach, he reportedly returned to his position as a special educator at Neshaminy this past Tuesday. Devine was coaching the basketball team for the tenth year at the time of his suspension, but he has taught in the Neshaminy School District for the last 15 years.

Chris Stanley, a spokesman from the district, said in a statement that assistant coach John Mason will assume head coaching duties for the remainder of this season.

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