The new girls varsity basketball coach was suspended for one game after he allegedly backtalked to the referees during a recent game.

The game was against George Washington in San Francisco on Dec. 13 and ended after the coach was ejected for receiving two technical fouls.

Coach Tim West said he feels terrible that it came down to him getting thrown out the game, but as a coach he had to expect being suspended from the next game

Athletic Director Darlene Miller and Principal Benjamin Schmookler followed Oakland Athletic League rules by suspending West for one game because he had two technical fouls and was kicked out of the game.

The Tigers lost to George Washington 60-39 in the shortened game.

Junior varsity coach Deonte Bailey stepped in for the Tigers as head coach for the Dec. 17 game against St. Elizabeth High. The Tigers lost the game 37-47.

Against St. Elizabeth, the team played without two of its members who were also suspended because of the Washington altercation. The Green & Gold is withholding the names of the suspended players because they are minors.

Schmookler said that one player was suspended for two games and the other player was suspended for one game.

"It was bad sportsmanship by the whole team," Schmookler said.

He found out about the problems at the game through an e-mail from a referee. Schmookler contacted Miller, who was traveling with the boys basketball team in Washington D.C., and the two decided to suspend the coach and two players according to OAL rules.

One of the players told the Green & Gold, "I was mad because it felt like the referees were not calling the right calls."

West, an Oakland native, is in his first year coaching a high school basketball team. He has also coached at the East Oakland Youth Development Center.

In an interview before the suspension, West said, “The reason I became the head coach this season is because I believe that this team has a lot potential and could also win the OAL."

Five players have returned from last year. They are seniors Moniqueka Hobdy, Jesseca Brown and De'Juana Oliver, junior Kiosha Jones and sophomore Bria Landrum.

The Lady Tigers won their first game against Balboa on Nov. 13 in San Francisco.

Several Lady Tigers said earlier this year that they were getting ready to go up against their toughest competition.

“Our biggest threat this season I think is going to be (McClymond’s) because we have played them in the past and each year they have gotten better,” said Brown.

Players believe that they will gain momentum.

“I feel that pre-season will help us improve our skill a whole lot more," said Landrum.

The Tigers finished last year at 2-8 in the league, but players are optimistic that West will lead them to a better season.

“I like the new coach and, yes, I do think that the season will be better this year,” said Deleshia Anders, a Paul Robeson senior.