3 Gig Harbor basketball coaches placed on leave amid alcohol allegations

Three Gig Harbor girls’ basketball coaches were placed on leave after being accused of drinking alcohol during a team trip, violating Peninsula School District policies, reported KING 5 on Friday.

The coaches suggested the allegations may be retaliatory due to a conflict with a parent over playing time.

The accusations, according to KING 5, followed an anonymous letter from a parent, claiming the coaches were seen drinking alcohol and possibly consuming it before driving the team during a trip to Palm Beach, Florida, over winter break.

The media outlet stated that athletes reported seeing coaches with alcohol in the hotel, including one coach allegedly drinking beer in a hot tub. The letter, obtained by KING 5, also mentioned the coaches visiting a bar during a birthday celebration.

Court documents, obtained by KING 5, show the coaches were informed of their leave, citing the district’s policy against alcohol use at school-sponsored events. In interviews, the coaches admitted to drinking but denied consuming alcohol before driving the players. They all emphasized they were not intoxicated, reported the media outlet.

The KING 5 investigation also revealed a long-standing issue with a parent dissatisfied with her daughter’s playing time, which the coaches believe influenced the accusations.

Two coaches hired lawyers, seeking to clear their names. Other parents on the trip, according to the media outlet, expressed support for the coaches, stating they never felt their daughter was in danger and believed the complaint stemmed from the playing time dispute.