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Black Coaches Feel Racism Led To Their Firing

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Nov 1, 2007 6:25 pm US/Eastern

Black Coaches Feel Racism Led To Their Firing

Reporting
Jay Dow

RAMSEY, N.J. (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Leon Matthews, a former baseball coach at Don Bosco High School feels he was fired because of racism.
CBS

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Two Catholic High School baseball coaches were fired for allegedly swearing on the field, but the coaches say it's more than a case of foul language - they say it's a case of discrimination.

Within the ultra competitive Don Bosco High School athletic program, there are coaches, student athletes, and according to former baseball coach Leon Matthews - ultra-competitive, racist, parents who thought their children weren't getting enough playing time.

"If it were another coach, a non-African-American coach, who had made those same calls, said Matthews, we wouldn't be having this conversation today."

Matthews and his assistant coach - former major leaguer Bobby Jones - were both fired back in May. The official reason: Matthews allegedly cursed in front of his players.

Now both Matthews and Jones are suing the school, because they say their race - not language - got them fired.

"Other coaches get labeled as maybe being tough leaders, drill sergeants, whatever but when it comes down to me - you're being considered abusive and not being fair," said Matthews.

Because Don Bosco Prep is a private Catholic school, the use of profanity is strongly discouraged. But students CBS 2 HD spoke with say that policy is often ignored, especially during a heated game - or a difficult practice.

"If you hold one group accountable for something, I would think you hold everybody accountable to those same standards," said Jones.

The school denied race being a factor in the firing.

"Don Bosco prep is hurt by these baseless allegations of racial discrimination as they are contrary to our core beliefs and practices, and our promotion of love for one's fellow human beings."

Matthews and Jones say they want their reputations restored, and more importantly - an apology from Don Bosco.

During their tenure at Don Bosco, Matthews and Jones turned the sub .500 team into the 56th ranked high school baseball team in the country.