HASTINGS, Mich. — The Hastings High School Baseball coach was suspended after parents brought up some concerns, the school's athletic director said Wednesday.
Jason Sixberry, who is also the Barry County Undersheriff, was just finishing up the boys' baseball season. Sixberry's suspension meant he missed a few practices and the team's district tournament on Saturday.
The Hastings High School Athletic Director Mike Goggins confirmed with 13 ON YOUR SIDE that parents brought up some concerns and that's why the district suspended coach Sixberry to look into the complaints.
After interviewing players and parents, Goggins said they found evidence that Sixberry "regularly engaged in behavior that overstepped the boundaries of appropriate coach/player relationships."
The athletic director said Sixberry inappropriately used social media and texted with players on matters not related to the baseball program, and regularly gave the players gift cards.
The school said Sixberry often used "inappropriate language when with players."
"While our investigation did not find any evidence of any incident we believe to be illegal or requiring a mandated report to the Child Protective Services, we did find a preponderance of evidence of situations we believe inappropriate in a healthy coach/player relationship," Goggins said.
"Therefore, Hastings Area School System will not renew his position as the Hastings Varsity Baseball Coach."
Sheriff Dar Leaf confirmed with 13 ON YOUR SIDE that Sixberry is on administrative leave until further notice, but did not answer questions about why.
You can read the full news release about the suspension here:
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