JACKSON, Miss., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Three varsity basketball players at a Jackson, Miss., high school are suing their coach, saying he whipped them as a punishment, court documents indicate.
The suit against Marlon Dorsey, the coach at Murrah High School, also names the principal, Freddrick Murray, CNN reported Thursday. The students say Murray failed to take any action when the corporal punishment was reported to him.
The teens say in court papers Dorsey punished them for "failing to run basketball plays correctly". The coach allegedly told them they had to choose between being paddled or being kicked off the basketball team.
Dorsey is quoted as saying he wanted to save them "from the destruction of self". The lawsuit says when the whipping allegations became public he defended himself by saying students were losing pride in themselves and their school, citing sloppy dress, stealing and other poor conduct.
The school district has refused to comment on Dorsey's status, saying personnel matters are confidential. Students said he has not been at school recently, suggesting he was suspended, CNN said.
Jackson School Superintendent Lonnie Edwards Sr. said in a statement Thursday "you may be assured that this situation has been addressed".
UPI
