Bobik Sits Out After Allegedly Using Slur

Aaron Bobik, the leading scorer for Newbury Park High, did not play in Friday’s Marmonte League game against Thousand Oaks after he allegedly directed a racial epithet at Agoura guard Johnny Gray during a game last Wednesday, The Times has learned.

Gray, who is black, said Bobik, who is white, used the epithet “three or four times” during Agoura’s 81-73 double-overtime victory at Newbury Park.

Though angered, Gray said he did not confront Bobik but told teammates and his parents after the game that Bobik had called him the N-word. Gray’s father, also named Johnny, said he approached Bobik but was rebuffed.

When that happened, the elder Gray--a four-time Olympian and the U.S. record holder in the 800-meter run--said administrators and coaches from both schools intervened and were informed of the accusations.

“[Bobik] is a kid,” the elder Gray said. “Things like this happen in the heat of the moment. It’s just words. We all make mistakes and we’re not going to dwell on this.”

Bobik could not be reached for comment. His mother, reached at home, declined comment.

Brad Miles, Newbury Park’s athletic director, also declined comment.

Newbury Park Coach Steve Johnson said he was unsure if Bobik would play in the Panthers’ next game Wednesday against Royal. Bobik was not at practice Monday, a source said.

“He’s not off the team,” said Johnson, who added that Bobik will “definitely play” Friday night against Moorpark.

Bobik, a 6-foot-4 senior, averages 16.2 points for Newbury Park, in sixth place in the seven-team league.

Gray, a 6-1 senior, averages 13.6 points for first-place Agoura.