Former Neshaminy Basketball Coach Pleads Guilty to Harassment

Former Neshaminy High School varsity basketball coach Jerry Devine, who was removed from his coaching position by the school board last Tuesday, has pleaded guilty to harassment charges stemming from a physical confrontation with a referee during a game in early January.

According to the Bucks County Courier Times, Devine reportedly pleaded guilty by mailing in his summons, along with $455.99, on January 27th. He paid a $300 fine in addition to $155.99 in court fees.

Devine’s guilty plea is the latest development in a series of events that began on January 5, when the former coach appeared to head-butt or bump an official, knocking him to the floor, during the last minute of Neshaminy’s game against Pennsbury. Prosecutors recommended a mere harassment charge because it did not appear that Devine intended to injure the official.

The school immediately placed him on administrative leave, but he soon returned to his job as a special educator at Neshaminy.

After being charged with harassment, the school board voted to permanently remove Devine as head coach of the boys’ varsity basketball team. Assistant coach John Mason replaced Devine as head coach.

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