Proviso East coach Donnie Boyce fired

Suspended Proviso East coach Donnie Boyce went before the Proviso Township District 209 School Board Tuesday night to provide his side of the story.

When an argument broke out in the school cafeteria in December, Boyce, a security guard, restrained a student. After a cell phone video of the incident surfaced and went viral, Boyce was suspended with pay pending an investigation.

By the end of Tuesday night’s school board meeting, Boyce was no longer the suspended coach. He was the fired coach.

Boyce provided his account of the situation to the school board, while also receiving support from community members and friends who spoke on his behalf, including former Proviso East and NBA star Michael Finley.

Boyce not only had his supporters but also a budding résumé and respect around the school and community. But according to sources close to the situation “there was too much politics involved.”

The school board went into a closed session and came back with the decision to terminate Boyce as the boys basketball coach.

“I’ve been vindicated by two separate outside investigations and cleared,” says Boyce of the fact neither child services or the family of the student believed there was any need for charges to be brought against Boyce. “I’m in disbelief and shock, really, and just feel terrible for the kids. The school board obviously didn’t do what was in the best interest of the kids in this situation.

“I was brought here to be the basketball coach, and they still haven’t told me anything in regard to what I’ve done wrong as the basketball coach. I guess they didn’t appreciate what I’ve done as the basketball coach.”

Boyce says he plans to appeal the decision and that “the fight isn’t over yet.”

He also was very appreciative and humbled by all the public support he received, including many people who attended the board meeting and spoke Tuesday night.

“I can’t say enough about the community members, friends of mine and even people I didn’t even know who stood up for me and spoke on my behalf,” says Boyce.

This past Sunday, Boyce, who made his first public comments to the Sun-Times, wanted to make sure people heard his side of the story.

“It’s not about who’s right or wrong in this situation,” Boyce said two days prior to Tuesday night’s meeting. “I’m not placing blame on anyone –– not the student, not the school, no one –– other than the way I’ve been portrayed in the media.”

I just really think this shows how our society works. I was convicted in the public eye before I even had a chance to explain the situation. I was raised and have lived by the notion you’re innocent until proven guilty. A lot of people have convicted me in the public without knowing who I am, what type of person I am and knowing the situation.”

Boyce is adamant that how he’s been portrayed by some and how things transpired on that December day is inaccurate.

“I never applied pressure to her neck area, never choked the student,” Boyce contends. “I pushed her back. My hands were on her shoulder area. I had to be firm after having already tried to diffuse the situation.”

Boyce has been the pulse of the Proviso East basketball program since he took over in 2011. In his first three seasons he compiled a record of 84-13, with a state runner-up finish in 2012 and a fourth-place finish in 2013.

The Pirates again had high hopes heading into this season, jumping out to a 5-1 start. But showing the importance and presence Boyce provides this program as a head coach, Proviso East has gone 4-8 since his suspension.

Now the prestigious basketball program will be looking for a new head coach for the 2015-2016 season.