In Duluth, Minnesota, youth sports are supposed to bring kids together, teach them about teamwork, and build character, but sometimes, the adults in charge forget that and turn a fun game into a mess.
That’s exactly what happened recently at a middle school basketball matchup between Proctor and Lincoln Park Middle School.
A Facebook post from parent Jon Jacoby went viral locally, shining a light on some poor behavior from the Lincoln Park coaches that ruined the evening for everyone involved.
It all started during the 7th-grade boys’ game. Lincoln Park was ahead, leading 20-12 with just a few minutes left in the first half.
The head coach from Lincoln Park was on his feet the whole time, yelling loudly at players, refs, and probably anyone within earshot.
Refs are used to some noise from coaches, but this was over the top. One official finally had enough and warned the coach to calm down, sit on the bench, or face a technical foul.
The coach didn’t back down. He basically told the ref he could do whatever he wanted, standing and shouting as much as he pleased. That earned him a technical foul right away, which only made him angrier.
Things escalated quickly from there. The coach started yelling even more and got right up in the ref’s face, posturing like he was ready for a fight.
The ref had no choice but to eject him from the game and order him to leave the gym. But the coach refused. He kept arguing and wouldn’t budge, so the ref called the police to handle the situation.
Only then did the coach finally exit, but the drama wasn’t over. The assistant coach, whom Jon Jacoby thinks might be the head coach’s wife, jumped in and started arguing with the same ref.
After about 10 more minutes of back-and-forth, she told all the Lincoln Park players to pack up and leave. That forced the team to forfeit the game, even though they were winning.
The kids on both sides had been playing hard and enjoying a competitive match, but now it was all cut short because of the adults’ tempers.
Jon Jacoby, whose son Jonny plays for Proctor, shared his frustration in the post. He felt bad for the Lincoln Park kids most of all, they lost a win they earned on the court due to their coaches’ lack of control.
It’s a horrible example of sportsmanship, he said, and just plain sad.
These coaches are supposed to be role models, showing young athletes how to handle pressure and respect the rules. Instead, they showed how to throw a fit and walk away when things don’t go your way.
The night got even worse with an update from Jon. After the game, families headed back to the school for Jonny’s band concert.
That’s when they learned the 8th-grade game had been canceled, too. Apparently, the Lincoln Park coaches accused the same refs of being racist and refused to play under those conditions. Jon was quick to push back on that claim.
He insisted the whole incident had nothing to do with race, it was simply about a coach ignoring warnings, breaking rules, and getting ejected for it.
No racial motivations at all, just bad behavior. He hopes Duluth Public Schools steps in and takes action against these coaches, because the lesson they’re teaching these student-athletes is all wrong.
In youth sports, especially in a place like Duluth where community ties run deep, coaches have a responsibility to set a positive tone.
Accusations like that can divide people unnecessarily and distract from the real issue: keeping the focus on the kids.
The post drew responses from parents and community members on Facebook
Kim Hoffmockel called it terrible sportsmanship and a disgusting example from a coaching team that’s supposed to mentor kids on being good people and teammates. She was sorry the players had to go through it.
Kerry Crandall, who coaches 8th grade, mentioned she yells at kids, too, but balances it with praise when they do well.
In reply, Jon explained more about how the coach ignored the warning, refused to leave after ejection, and reportedly threatened the ref, something the kids nearby overheard.
It was nothing these 7th graders should have witnessed. Cindy Nogren expressed sorrow over the chaos and stressed that teachers and staff should support the kids, let them play, and teach respect.
Stories like this remind us why youth sports need better oversight.
In Duluth, where winters are long, and school activities keep communities connected, incidents like this can leave a lasting mark.
Hopefully, the school district investigates thoroughly and ensures coaches understand their role.
After all, the real winners should be the kids learning to play fair, win or lose with grace, and grow from the experience.
If Duluth Public Schools acts, it could turn this negative into a teachable moment for everyone.
