A.D. Suspended For Alleged Racially Insensitive Comment

Cedar Ridge High School’s athletic director and basketball coach, Jim Pappas, has been suspended after charges that he made a racially offensive remark to a student. The incident is under investigation.

Cameron alleges Pappas said to him it was better to be “hanging from the bar than hanging from a noose.”

The Herald Sun reports those with close ties to the school system say Pappas claims he worded the phrase differently, saying it was better to be “hanging from the bar than hanging from a tree.”

WCHL’s attempts to contact Pappas for comment were unsuccessful.

Orange County Schools spokesman Michael Gilbert confirmed Pappas has been suspended, but says North Carolina General Statutes prohibit him from further commenting on the matter.

Neither school officials nor Pappas have commented on the incident. Pappas is under suspension with pay pending the investigation.

WCHL will have more details on this story as they emerge.