Bloomfield
Hills Basketball Coach Resigns After Slapping Incident and “Nappy Hair” Remark
(Bloomfield Hills Schools Press Release, Feb. 5, 2015)
On February 5, 2015, Bloomfield Hills Schools administrators were made aware of two incidents involving varsity basketball head coach, Duane Graves, and two student athletes on the basketball team. Both incidents were thoroughly investigated and Duane Graves offered his resignation, effective February 5, 2015. Nick Stration will serve as the head varsity basketball coach for the balance of the season. Mr. Stration is the current freshman boy’s basketball coach and will continue in both positions.
According to the district’s investigation, during the evening basketball practice on February 4, 2015, Mr. Graves became upset with a player on the team and used his palm to slap the player on the face. Mr. Graves reported to district administrators that he spoke with the student and apologized for his actions. Also during the course of the February 4th practice, Mr. Graves touched another player’s hair and reportedly made a reference to “nappy hair”. Mr. Graves later apologized to the student for the incident.
Over the course of the investigation, the district found that players do not believe Mr. Graves intended to hurt either student, and asked both students if they were alright at the end of practice. Mr. Graves contacted administration early on February 5, 2015 to apologize for his actions and offer his resignation.
Notwithstanding the intent of Mr. Graves, the interaction with the student athletes is unacceptable. Mr. Graves is employed by EduStaff, a third-party employer, and assigned to Bloomfield Hills Schools.
Administrators met with the basketball team during the day on February 5, 2015 to advise them of the resignation and coaching change. A letter was also sent to the families of the basketball players.