MEDFORD, Ore. — The head coach of the top-ranked South Medford High School baseball team has been placed on leave because he consumed alcohol before a game.
In his ninth season as head coach, Ray Smith has guided the Panthers to the Southwest Conference championship and No. 1 spot in the Class 6A power rankings as of Wednesday.
The Mail Tribune reports Smith admitted having drinks before Tuesday’s game, a contest from which he was ejected after arguing a call at third base.
Smith says he “messed up big time” and let a lot of people down.
The school district says the duration of the leave will depend on the outcome of an investigation by its human resources department.
