Supporters speak out for Negaunee basketball coach
Posted: 06.18.2012 at 10:16 PM

NEGAUNEE -- More than 50 supporters of Negaunee Girls' Basketball Coach Gregg Nelson showed up to the Negaunee School Board meeting Monday.

Nelson is in danger of not being brought back to coach next season.  According to public comment at the meeting, it stems from an incident involving bullying among the team members.

Witnesses say it led to the use of inappropriate language between Coach Nelson and members of the girls basketball team.  Supporters were on hand stating that despite the inappropriate language, Nelson has been a good role model.

"I think everyone here will agree with me that Coach Nelson is an excellent basketball coach, but I can personally tell you that he is much more than just a great coach. He is a man who teaches us lessons that we need to learn to be successful in life," said girls' basketball team member Hayle Blake.

No decision has been made yet. The Negaunee Superintendent said all coaches who are not staff members will be reviewed.

Meanwhile the board voted to borrow $273,000 from the general fund to balance next year's budget.  The school district will be hiring six new staff members to accommodate an all-day kindergarten schedule.