New Battle Baseball Coach

[kmccall]

Yes he made a mistake. That might be okay in some professions but not when you work with kids. A coach is in a leadership position in their community and should be a role model to the kids. This sets a bad example.

[Unchained]

If they won't fire a man for smoking pot, then at least fire him for being stupid enough to smoke it where he was busted. A man that dumb doesn't need to be role-modeling to kids anyway.

[kmccall]

I'm sure they will fire him. This is the same school board that fired a coach for yelling at kids a much less offense

[kmccall]

Did everyone see the touching story on WCYB of the support walk the kids organized at John Battle. They walked from the Elem. school to his house and signed a card of support that they gave to him. Like I said this guy is supposed to be a role model to these kids and seems well liked. Good time to teach these kids one of lifes lessons; you have to pay for your mistakes.

[1inStripes]

That right there is the worst part IMO. Getting caught as an authority figure for kids is bad, but on school grounds pretty much is really bad.

Isn't there additional charges when caught carrying/selling drugs within a certain proximity of school grounds?

[Unchained]

Yes indeed

18.2-255.2. Prohibiting the sale or manufacture of drugs on or near certain properties; penalty.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell or distribute or possess with intent to sell, give or distribute any controlled substance, imitation controlled substance or marijuana while:

(i) upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any public or private elementary, secondary, or post secondary school, or any public or private two-year or four-year institution of higher education, or any clearly marked licensed child day center as defined in § 63.2-100;

(ii) upon public property or any property open to public use within 1,000 feet of the property described in clause (i);

(iii) on any school bus as defined in § 46.2-100;

(iv) upon a designated school bus stop, or upon either public property or any property open to public use which is within 1,000 feet of such school bus stop, during the time when school children are waiting to be picked up and transported to or are being dropped off from school or a school-sponsored activity;

(v) upon the property, including buildings and grounds, of any publicly owned or publicly operated recreation or community center facility or any public library; or

(vi) upon the property of any state facility as defined in § 37.2-100 or upon public property or property open to public use within 1,000 feet of such an institution. It is a violation of the provisions of this section if the person possessed the controlled substance, imitation controlled substance or marijuana on the property described in clauses (i) through (vi) of this subsection, regardless of where the person intended to sell, give or distribute the controlled substance, imitation controlled substance or marijuana. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the authorized distribution of controlled substances.

B. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct felony. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for a term of not less than one year nor more than five years and fined not more than $100,000. A second or subsequent conviction hereunder for an offense involving a controlled substance classified in Schedule I, II, or III of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) or more than one-half ounce of marijuana shall be punished by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year to be served consecutively with any other sentence. However, if such person proves that he sold such controlled substance or marijuana only as an accommodation to another individual and not with intent to profit thereby from any consideration received or expected nor to induce the recipient or intended recipient of the controlled substance or marijuana to use or become addicted to or dependent upon such controlled substance or marijuana, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. If a person commits an act violating the provisions of this section, and the same act also violates another provision of law that provides for penalties greater than those provided for by this section, then nothing in this section shall prohibit or bar any prosecution or proceeding under that other provision of law or the imposition of any penalties provided for thereby.

(1982, c. 594; 1989, cc. 619, 682, 709; 1990, cc. 617, 622; 1991, c. 268; 1991, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 14; 1993, cc. 30, 708, 729; 1999, c. 873; 2000, cc. 1020, 1041; 2003, cc. 80, 91; 2004, c. 461; 2005, c. 716; 2006, c. 325.)


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[1inStripes]

According to that it looks like it may be a little difficult to coach or teach for at least a year.

[Unchained]

The Commonwealth takes that seriously. Teaching/coaching should be the last thing on his mind right now.

[imported_MoonlightGraham]

yes i agree, he should be punished. imo, should be suspended for the remainder of the season, and the reamainded of the school year.
esp since he did it on school grounds, which is a completely different misdemenor all together compared to just possession.

but should he lose his teaching job altogether? i mean its not like they can send him to rehab for this.

[kmccall]

He should be fired anybody that works with kids should not be able to keep their job after they are caught with any drug. And like Indian dad said for just being stupid!