A social media post shared in the Rathdrum Community News Facebook group has ignited debate among local parents after a Rathdrum aunt alleged that a Lakeland Middle School basketball coach embarrassed her nephew during team tryouts.
The post, written by Brittany Mary Low-Pearson, describes the seventh grader as a newcomer to basketball who attended tryouts with little knowledge of the sport’s terminology.
According to Low-Pearson, her nephew was asked to perform a layup, something he had never done, and when he hesitated because he didn’t understand the term, other students began mocking him.
She stated in her post that several kids yelled at him and called him “stupid.”
When the boy told the coach that he didn’t know what the word “lauyup” meant, Low-Pearson claims the coach responded by saying, “You can leave anytime.”
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Low-Pearson wrote that the incident left her nephew humiliated and discouraged, adding that it damaged his newfound interest in sports. She said,
Just venting but who ever the coach is for the basketball team at Lakeland Middle School, needs an attitude adjustments. My nephew is trying out for basketball this year and has never played basketball, doesn’t know basketball terms. He was asked to do a lay up and didn’t know exactly what that was. So all the kids were yelling at him, calling him stupid, etc. Then the coach decided to yell at him and when my nephew told him “I don’t know what that means” his coach then proceeded to tell him “You can leave anytime ” NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF COACHES WE HAVE BUT COME ON GET A GRIP. God forbid he hasn’t been playing since he was 4 and doesn’t understand. He finally got interested in playing sports and THAT PIECE has now ruined sports for him. He was so embarrassed and upset. These are children not professionals.
Brittany Mary Low-Pearson
The post drew significant attention, prompting dozens of comments ranging from sympathetic support to critical disbelief.
Several community members expressed frustration and sadness after reading Low-Pearson’s account. One resident wrote,
Oh my gosh! This breaks my heart for your nephew. I am so sorry this happened. It takes guts to try out and put yourself out there. I wish schools offered intermediate skills classes then had tryouts. This is public school, not the NBA, Let kids learn! Even if there were 3-5 separate teams separated by skills, not every family has time (or money) to invest in private sports. I am SO sorry he was treated this way!
Jamie Lee
Another commenter said,
That coach needs to remember he is coaching kids not pros. If he is embarrassed about his position maybe he needs to leave. It is the coaches !! What an idiot!
Kay Smith
Many parents shared similar stories of their own children being discouraged in school sports.
One mother recounted how her daughter was told she would “never play high school volleyball” due to a lack of experience, leaving her in tears. Heather Johnson wrote,
This happened to my daughter with volleyball at LCHS except she only played for one year prior when they didn’t have to actually try out. The coach made her cry and told her she will never play in high school because she didn’t have enough experience.
Heather Johnson
Another parent commented that her son had a difficult transition when switching from private to public school sports because expectations were much higher.
Several commenters also recommended alternative options such as local wrestling programs, recreation leagues, or training clubs that are more beginner-friendly and emphasize fundamentals over competition. One parent suggested,
I haven’t read all the comments. Highly recommend 208 bball they have Christmas break drills and are great at teaching fundamentals. Also, Hayden park and rec is outstanding place to learn sports.
Robyn Clevenger
Others expressed that middle school sports should be more welcoming to experienced athletes. One person wrote, “Not every kid has the money or time for club basketball, Schools should offer beginner-friendly programs.”
While many supported the family, others pushed back, questioning whether the situation may have been misunderstood.
Some argued that basic knowledge of the sport is reasonable to expect at tryouts. One commenter wrote,
I mean honestly if you’re trying out for basketball and don’t know what a layup is it’s like hes never watched the sport. You watch 1 game and know what a layup is. Wasn’t cool that they were shamed and embarrassed. But somebody trying out for the basketball team should know what a layup is honestly. I see both sides of the coin.
Christopher Michaels
Others pointed out that students sometimes interpret interactions or fail to mention their own behavior when recounting events.
One parent whose child was also at the tryouts commented, “My kid didn’t see this happen the way it’s being described.” They urged the family to contact the school directly for clarification.
A few community members even questioned the authenticity of the account, with one writing, “This sounds like something that didn’t happen exactly the way it’s being said.”
Some argued that school sports have become overly competitive and difficult for late starters to join. One commenter wrote,
Coach should be fired it’s literally just a game not the NBA
Monica Snook
Others encountered that increasing competitiveness simply reflects changing times. One commenter argued, “The idea that kids learn a sport in seventh grade is outdated, That’s not how it works anymore.”
Several residents emphasized that both the coach and the family may share responsibility for the situation. One person wrote,
I HIGHLY recommend Basketball School of Sandpoint! Totally worth the drive and there’s no other program like it in North Idaho. I used to drive my son up, often. It is a wonderful, welcoming environment. They would be thrilled to teach your kiddo the basics and get him feeling comfortable with a ball!
Bree Brix
While opinions varied, several commenters encouraged Low-Pearson and the boy’s parents to speak directly with the school administration rather than relying on social media.
At the time, Lakeland Middle School had not issued a public statement, and no official reports regarding the coach had surfaced.
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