MAPLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — A 39-year-old Maple Heights middle school basketball coach is accused of punching a 14-year-old East Cleveland basketball player during a break in the game Jan. 16.
Robert Clark, who is a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Barack Obama Elementary School, is charged with assault and was placed on paid administrative leave in the incident that happened about 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Middle School in East Cleveland, according to court records and Maple Heights City Schools Superintendent Dr. Charles T. Keenan.
The school is currently conducting its own investigation into the incident, but Clark will remain on leave until the case is resolved through the courts, Keenan said.
Clark punched an East Cleveland basketball player in the face while he encouraged his team to fight the opposing team, police and Keenan said.
Court records say Clark was scheduled to appear in East Cleveland Municipal Court Thursday afternoon, but officials did not return a call seeking comment.
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