Two controversial coaches who were suspended for wearing black face makeup at a Halloween party were back on the field Friday evening, hours after their suspension was announced.
On the sidelines were head varsity football coach and physical education teacher Brian Basteyns and assistant football coach Howard Seeley, two of the three district employees suspended earlier Friday.
Serra High parents were on their feet cheering for the team but the black face costume controversy loomed over the game.
“If they're going to be suspended it should be consecutive days back to back,” said parent Marco Franco. “Why are we letting the coaches pick which days they are suspended?”
“We're glad to see them on the field. We're glad to see they are here for the boys and at the end of the day it's about the boys,” Monica Mohr said.
Basteyns (pictured right), Seeley and their colleague now say they made a mistake dressing like the "Jamaican bobsled team" at the San Diego State Halloween party. Both men apologized to any one offended by their bad judgment.
The apology seemed to resonate with Mohrs and Franco.
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“They're great mentors they're great people,” Mohrs said.
“Was it done maliciously I believe it was not; however bad judgment yes,” Franco said.
Meanwhile, students at Friday’s game had their own way of expressing themselves: without saying a word.
School administrators have yet to share details of the suspensions, instead they said only they would use this as "a teachable moment."
