Sports
Letter at Center of Burke Controversy Released
BHS girls' basketball coach Melvin Burke's contract will not be renewed because of letter that claims program is in crisis
Former girls' basketball coach Melvin Burke wrongly said the team was in crisis in a fundraising letter that school officials have cited as the reason for
“There are multiple statements in this letter that incorrectly suggest that the program was at risk,” said school spokesman Doug Levin.
Burke recently told Patch that the letter, which school officials released today, "wasn't done to make anyone look bad."
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“It was done to support the girls,” Burke said.
Burke, a four-time Ohio Coach of the Year who guided East Tech to the state championship in 2002, The team won the CVC tournament this year and had the best season in the school’s history.
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Players and parents shocked by the decision and
District officials cited the letter as the reason for their decision but did not release it until today.
The letter requested a $500 donation, and though it appears to be written to more than one person, Levin said he is unaware if the letter was sent to anyone besides Giant Eagle. The letter prompted the donation of a $50 gift card from Giant Eagle, which was used to buy snacks for a banquet.
“I wasn’t aware of the procedure. I was just trying to help my team,” Burke said. “I go by the rules and I will fight for my kids because they work hard.”