Dispute Between Holy Family Coach, Player In Hands Of District Attorney

Dispute Between Holy Family Coach, Player In DA’s Hands

February 22, 2011 2:22 PM

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The dispute between the suspended Holy Family basketball coach and a player is now in the hands of the Philadelphia District Attorney.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is now investigating a private criminal complaint lodged by 19-year old sophomore forward Matthew Kravchuk. Kravchuk claims his coach, John O’Connor, grabbed and elbowed him in the face during a practice last month.

“We investigate the allegations that are made by the complainant and then we determine whether or not we are going to press charges in that case. Once we’ve determined that and if we do decide to press charges, then a private criminal complaint will be filed,” DA spokeswoman Tasha Jamerson said.

Jamerson says the investigation could take a month, usually it lasts a couple of weeks.

Reported By Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio

Dispute Between Holy Family Coach, Player In DA’s Hands

Sam Jackets

I think the coach should stay. This is a caring, hard working guy who is TAKING OVER a program with no success and building it with tough physical team basketball. It was a rebounding drill that including diving on the floor, playing strong, and getting pushed around! This video clip and the fact that the kid has a brace still on is crazy!!!! John O’Conner cares about those kids and loves teaching the game of basketball.
Deborah Gallagher

after watching the vidio I feel the coach should be fired and the school should pay all medical bills incurred by the student and should cover tuition for the next 2 years should he decide to stay at Holy Family. NEVER should a student be subjected to physical beating by a teacher or coach. This school should have researched the past history of this coach more throughly. They also should not have hesitated as long as they did before making a move and suspending the coach.