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Richlands High School girls basketball coach Tom Rife jumped into the stands to confront a fan during a game in Virginia last Thursday. Rife was caught on video grabbing a man by his collar moments before his team lost 54-51 to Wise County Central High School.
Before the incident, he called a timeout with around eight seconds left in the game. The fan, who was wearing a white shirt, can be seen shouting at Rife. The coach lost his cool and jumped over some chairs to confront the man.
After grabbing his collar, Rife pushed the man several times before people intervened. The man, who is the step-father of one of Rife's players, showed restraint by not fighting back.
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According to the Blufield Daily Telegraph, Tazewell County Public Schools has started an investigation regarding the incident. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Stacy released a statement on Friday about the matter.
"We are aware of the incident at the RHS girls basketball game and while we do not condone any misconduct from our coaches or spectators at this time, we are still investigating the actions of all parties involved," Stacy said.
In addition to Superintendent Dr. Stacy, the incident will also be investigated by Deputy Superintendent Diedra Hill, Richlands High School Principal Rickie Vencill and Richlands Athletic Director Frank Daugherty.
Tom Rife has been the head coach of Richlands Lady Blue Tornado since last August, when Aaron Lowe was fired after seven seasons. Rife previously coached Richalands' boys and girls basketball teams from the late 1970s through 2005. He also worked as the school's athletic director at some point.
Police also investigating Tom Rife's incident
The season has ended for Richalands High School following their 54-51 defeat against Wise County Central. The Lady Blue Tornado finished the season with a record of 23-2, the school's best finish since 2013. Their two losses came against Wise County Central.
However, it was marred by Richlands coach Tom Rife getting into it with a fan before the end of the game. While Tazewell County Public Schools has launched an investigation, the police have reportedly gotten involved as well.
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According to Jim Talbert of the Bristol Herald Courier, Richlands Police Chief Ron Holt has instructed Captain Adam Crouse to investigate the incident. No charges have been officially filed, but the police are looking to conclude their investigation later this week.
After the incident involving Rife and a student's stepfather, the latter was reportedly escorted out of the building. The stepfather was also served a no-tresspassing warrant from Tazewell County Sheriff Brian Hieatt, as requested by the school.
