Hart’s Micheslon Says He May Appeal One-Year Suspension for Role in Fight

Several people who witnessed a Feb. 12 postgame fight between Hart basketball Coach Doug Michelson and an official expressed outrage Tuesday at the suspension of the coach, who said he is the victim of “a kangaroo-court investigation.”

Hart Principal Laurence Strauss decided Monday not to rehire Michelson, 44, for the 1987-88 season. No replacement has been named. Michelson, who has coached at Hart the past five seasons, will retain full teaching status and his duties as girls athletic director, Strauss said.

Michelson said he has consulted attorneys and is considering appealing the decision but refused to discuss the specific action he might take. Strauss said all coaches have one-year contracts and is unsure how Michelson will appeal.

Strauss said he made the decision after reading written descriptions of the incident. Among those submitting statements were Michelson, a Schurr school official, three Hart coaches and four parents of Hart students. Bob Bria, the official involved, and his partner, Chris Cornell, also submitted reports.

According to eyewitness accounts, Michelson approached Bria on the court immediately after a 43-42 loss to Schurr in Hart’s final regular-season game. Michelson reportedly followed Bria into the locker room and blocked the entrance to the physical-education office while yelling at the official. At this point the two reportedly exchanged pushes and punches.

Michelson said he was acting in self-defense, but Bria said Michelson struck him without provocation.

On Tuesday, several people with ties to Hart who submitted statements said they agreed with Michelson’s version of the altercation. Bria could not be reached for comment.

“Mr. Bria exploded and lowered his shoulder, driving Coach Michelson into a corner and lifting him off the ground,” said Hart assistant Dave Munroe, who said he was within two feet of Michelson and Bria. “Doug was helpless in the position he was in and acted in self-defense. When Doug was against the wall, I was looking at him at eye level. I’m 6-2 and Doug’s 5-9.”

Said Jim Bonds Sr., whose son Jim Jr. was a member of the team: “After the shouting continued the referee took his left arm and on the elbow end placed it violently under Coach Michelson’s chin. Coach Michelson was lifted off the ground and his head was pinned up against the wall. It was a violent hit.”

Some of Michelson’s players expressed disappointment.

Said Jim Bonds Jr.: “I think he’s getting the raw end of it. You’d never think of him doing the things described in the paper. He’s always been calm, cool and collected.”

Before taking the Hart job, Michelson coached for two years at Pierce College and 11 at Poly High. Hart was 12-12 this season.

“I was probably naive in thinking there would be justice,” he said. “It was a kangaroo-court investigation and I’m speaking my piece. I’m a victim.”