Nash Central baseball coach Jeff Mizelle has been suspended for the remainder of the season by Nash Central High School.
Schools officials, including principal Craig Harris and athletics director Tony High, declined comment Friday as to why Mizelle was suspended.
Mizelle had no comment when reached by phone Friday afternoon.
Harris said that he has no timetable for releasing a statement and, because it was a personnel matter, that information isn’t always disclosed to the public.
Assistant coach Buck Edmondson will take over on an interim basis. He coached the Bulldogs to a 10-0 victory against Wilson Fike on Thursday.
“I really like our attitude and the way we came out (Thursday) night,” Edmondson said. “We really played with a lot of spirit. I just felt like it was the exact opposite from the day before at Rocky Mount. I think how the boys responded (Thursday) answered a lot of questions.”
The Bulldogs (9-10, 6-2 Big East) practiced Friday in an extremely relaxed fashion. Edmondson was in Tennessee on Friday because of a pre-planned vacation, and assistant coach Zach Boyette ran practice. Players laughed and joked as they went through drills without a ball for approximately 10 minutes. The rest of practice was nearly as laid back.
Nash Central is currently in second place in the Big East Conference, but could play Wilson Hunt, the first-place team in the conference, for the Big East title should both teams win Tuesday. Nash Central lost to Wilson Hunt earlier this season, but the two teams have identical conference records.
The two teams will play at 7 p.m. Thursday in Wilson.
Mizelle’s status will be re-visited by school officials after the season, High said.
Justin Hite can be reached at 407-9951 or at jhite@rmtelegram.com
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Comments
My Turn
I am Coach Mizelle's wife. To those of you who have written in support, I thank you very much. To those of you who have been mean spirited and nasty I have something to say to you too. If venting via this forum makes you feel better , well then okay. However please know and realize that Jeff is not so much hurt by what you have said, he can take it. Our children and I on the other hand, are the ones being angered and hurt. Our eight year old son has looked up to the players on the team. He has called them friends. He is very sad that this has happened to his daddy.
I have been with Jeff for a long time. I have seen the joy and excitement when the team does well, and I have seen the frustration when they lose due to less than their best playing. He has never come home and called out any individual, for him it is a TEAM. You win as a team, you lose as a team. He has always held high expectations and has a positive attitude going into every game. He does get upset if it doesn't go well and he may indeed blow up. I also know that he gets over it it quickly, puts it behind him and is ready to move forward with a fresh start for a new game. He loves coaching and he loves the players whether you believe it or not. He has faith in each and everyone and sees potential and that's why he pushes so hard.
You can say no player you know likes him., but I have seen numerous former players come and tell him how much they appreciate the way he coached them and urged them to be the best and work as a TEAM. You are going to graduate and do many things with your life and I wish you well. But before you bash my husband again behind the anonymity of this forum, please remember there are more people being affected by your words than Jeff. So he yelled at The team and hurt your feelings, at least it was in the privacy of the bus and not in a public site as this. Contrary to what you may feel right now Jeff Mizelle is a good man, a good father, a good husband, and a good coach.
Lori Mizelle
Wife of Coach Mizelle. Love
Wife of Coach Mizelle. Love the family support. Thats what I am talking about family, part of a team. I apologize to your family for the stupidness of others and the effect this has had on all. You are correct Coach will prevail, he is a strong man, with morales and standards contray to what others have to say.
Way to go Peanut
Peanut sounds like a good kid that speaks the truth! He knows what he is talking about!
Just Saying
Let me just say that I back and support Coach Mizelle. The telegram had to search for a picture from a year ago to try to make him look bad. Mr. Justin that wrote it dont know whats true. And for Mr. High, I really think he is clueless. He just got put in that position cause of who he knows. Point is Coach Mizelle is true to himself, his players and the so called higher ups. He has always been outspoken nothing has changed over the years, so why does one or two now at the end of this season want to stir a pot. Really don't understand the logic behind this look where the team has gotten, in the playoffs, several years, how you you think they got there? I can tell ya from a good stern coach. But if the school and other coaches want to look like the apple dumpling gang out on the field, beacuse they let the players and parents run them. I look forward to seeing those games. Trust me Mizelle is strong and he will make a good coach somewhere whether it be NCHS or somewhere else. I would love to have him as my college coach.
The life of a coach
I agree with the other comments about the football coach receiving a slap on the wrist with his suspension and the recent suspension of Coach Mizelle being rather harsh. I've been knowing Coach Mizelle for years now and he as always been very passionate about bulldog baseball and his team performing at the highest level possible. I have also coached against coach Mizelle on many different occasions. I have seen him question calls and address his team in his own way. I have done the same on many different occasions with my players. The thing is that the times have definitely changed. As coaches we are still held to high standards in regards to representing our schools. We however as coaches are put in a situation were everything we do from practice, the game, and our language is under a mircroscope. Most importantly we can't scold our players for performance, game situations, ect. The next point is that parents have high expectations for their kids and often times they are too high! Either way you look at the situation it's a fact that no matter who the coach is of any team, there will be players and parents that either like or dislike him or her for different reasons. Losses often bring out the frustration in coaches, parents, and players. Losses also bring out the many complaints. Coach Mizelle has always been upfront with how he felt about situations, players, and anyone else for that matter. You have a team that is playoff bound and a coach who has been coaching and addressing his team the same for years. It just shows that if you get the right people in certain positions things will begin to happen. I have never been at a high school, where the weren't players, parents, and administration that were against things that the baseball coach was doing. Also when you put people in charge with the power to make decisions they could also stab you in the back. They also have nothing to lose bc they have been in charge the whole time and welcome the opportunity to better their own situation. In reality many student athletes will not play collegiately or professionally. Those athletes that wish to play at higher levels should be able to take criticism whether harsh or constructive and also have thick skin. I've played collegiate baseball at the highest level, so I know first hand.
Back Off
Coach Mizelle is dedicated to the baseball program at Nash Central. What has happened is unfair. There are plenty of players who support him. He believes in the team and knows how capable they are of winning. He gets upset at a loss, but what coach doesn't? I have heard other area coaches in reaction to their teams losses that were extremely harsh. It happens all the time. The difference is the other teams have players who also hate to lose and understand that the coach is upset at the loss, not the individual players. Man up if you are going to play ball and take the heat when it comes. It will get worse in college if you try to play there.
BACK ON
Hey, buddy, you havent played for this so called "coach" or whatever he claims to be but if you think the things he shows his players and the audience there proves this that he is obviously confused. If he honestly was as good of a person as you make out to be in your Novel up here we wouldnt be in this to start with would we buddy? So how about you grow a pair and suck it up and dont worry about it because ur A** isnt on the chopping block is it. So you must be in snome relation to this "coach" and a PROGRAM there is no such thing as this program they need a baseball team first. To establish that you need a coach with atleast common sense. Until then they will be stuck in this rut they call a season. umm, iv never met a single player that believes in anything he has ever had to say, was used as a joke as he walked off. Oh, and you seem to call yourself an adult why arent you working or doing something productive with your day rather than my taxes paying for you to check up on a coach that has been kicked off because he isnt a coach? Now buddy, thats BACK ON!
Now Juicy its apparent you
Now Juicy its apparent you dont know what you are talking about. I have played under this coaches directions from my first year into this high school, I been in many dugouts with this coach and like any other caoach in any other sport, when there is a loss everyone is upset, If you as a player did not get upset, then all i can say is that you are not a true player of that sport. And if you can't take a hard talk form a high school coach then no need for you to go play in college.Put on your big boy pants, or are you wearing panties? It is apparent there are more peple in this novel up here who beleive in him than don't. The only reason this novel is up here is beacuse one or two whimpy players and there parents can't handle getting there way with this coach.And by the way I don't beleive he is on any chopping block, there is a diffrenece in suspension, and the so called chopping block. And by the way I do work 5 days a week 40 hours, um what do you do? Umm might be my taxes dollars are paying for you and yours and other familys.Once again i don't beleive we are buddys and probally never will be.
Back way off
"juicy" you obviously don't know what you are talking about. There are plenty of players that support Coach Mizelle and respect what he has done for the program. He has been a successful coach and hopefully will continue. Does he let the "players" and "parents" run the program? No, because if that was the case it would look like a little league, let everyone play, don't make anyone's mommy mad, joke of a game. In high school it is time to WORK and to take criticism and stand up for yourself instead of crying to your mommy when you get fussed at. Why don't you grow a pair and stop trying to act like you know Coach Mizelle. He has not acted any differently from any other coach, not his fault he had wimpy players and a principal with no backbone.
In fairness, Mizelle should
In fairness, Mizelle should not be terminated from the position. One of the footbal coaches did the same thing and was only suspended one week.
To icedave
Yet this has been a problem with this coach multiple times at this school wit multiple atheletes. I see it kinda funny how everyone says the same thing when they are asked. There have been multiple players that have had the same issues with him, so is it the probably 15 to 20 players that are all wrong or just the 1 coach. What are the odds looking like? Also there are well more than one reason for this decision i agree with it toatly i thnk that it is about time that something was done to actually bring justice to what was said to happen.
Acutall Player you state this
Acutall Player you state this has been a problem with this coach multiple times with multiple athelets, but appears he has been at this school and has coached football, and baseball pretty much since he has been a teacher. His tactis have not changed, his harsh talks havent changed. Well sounds like one or two players and parents haven't gotten their way with this coach, and now wants to throw him under a bus. It appears that these 15-20 players aren't feeling the same as you. I thnk they are being coached by other players to say what they want to hear. Its teens we all do that to try to keep peace in a team and players. You know i hear daily how you are talking to everyone trying to get them on your side, but beleive me when they walk away from you they are saying wow thats crazy. If there is any other reasons then i beleive its because some one has made some false statements. Well that will come out in time, and I hope it hits font page. Justice will be done when the whimpy players get off the team.
same as football
Football coaches seem to get a pass for doing the same thing that Mizelle did. The head football coach is a moron, and anyone who has ever spent 10 mins talking to him quickly realizes this. Mizelle is a high charachter coach who wants the best for his student athletes. It has turned into a race issue at Nash Central. It is clear that the administration is clearing out all the positions of authority where caucasians have positions. Just look what happened to the Athletic Dir position. They had a highly qualified person in coach Smith , but fired him (via email) for an unproven, enqualified coach High, who is buddy buddy with the principal. I see alot of corruption in this school. Time for a change in administration
I am amazed that he has
I am amazed that he has coached footbal and basball for several years. And now all of a sudden its a problem. Go figure. Sounds like some harrasement, and discrimination going on here. Not only for this coach but for others aswell.
Same as football
Y'all have been doing for the past 400 years. I used to work in Nash county where the good ole boy system was alive and well and You know. Why is it when caucs do it, it's success but when shoe is on the other foot it's suspect. Oh because there is a double standard on race that's why. As soon as other races have power your ignorance shows by hurling insults at that person. I guess he's a moron because he doesnt answer to massa correctly no suh.
400 years?
WOW! I didn't realize that 'we' were doing this for 400 years!. That would have been around 1612.....I think, and maybe I'm wrong..but only Indians were here. (I'm not good at math, so maybe your right)
To: all of those against
Wait sir have you ever been in the dougout under his autority? yeah i didnt think so either and from a players stand-point I have never know a good coach to completely kill your every want and desire to step on a baseball field for the rest of your life so if you can say thats how it is supposed to be, well your wrong and it is not. No need to reply i refuse to waste my time arguing obviously its true read te article, thanks..
Really you want to ask have i
Really you want to ask have i been in the dugout under his authority? Duh I play for him and have since I entered high school. If this coach has killed you every desire in wanting to play then you are not a true player to the sport. I love the sports I play and there is no way any coach is gonna kill my desire to play. I got back, and know that when i get to college its gonna be harder, parents can't do anything for you when you get to college. If you can't make it in high school you will never make it in college. I have friends in college and beleive me I hear the stories. The truth must be in a select few eyes, cause I don't see it in this artilce. Just saying Thanks
Dugout
Yeah..It's Dugout, maybe your thinking of a donut Einstein? :)
Not to mention
You did have a couple other spelling mistakes...but thats ok! :)
To the Happy Parent You can
To the Happy Parent You can post all you want all day, but I will not continue to respond. Thank God I have some standard and will not let myself be lowered to yours, to bash one person when their is more than one to blame.
To Peanut!, look buddy idk
To Peanut!, look buddy idk why you believe your so high strung yourself this may just be one bad coach's opinion aabout another. You also need to watch how to you talk to people if you have so many "standards". Try a look in the mirror before you put forth the effort to insult someone that you have never seen/heard before.
WOW
1st I am deffinately not your buddy! And for your information I look in the mirror every day, and I can say I am proud of who I am and what I stand for. I have respect for myself and others. And beleive me I have seen you, and I am sure I have heard you, I was at the game(several games). This coach has been coaching football and baseball several years, but for some reason now there is a problem.
To Peanut!, look buddy idk
To Peanut!, look buddy idk why you believe your so high strung yourself this may just be one bad coach's opinion aabout another. You also need to watch how to you talk to people if you have so many "standards". Try a look in the mirror before you put forth the effort to insult someone that you have never seen/heard before.
COACH
I just want to say I know this coach, probaly on a level that many of of you don't know. This coach has and is liked by many parents and players. There is always one bad apple in every bunch. In this case appears to be a really bad player and parent who hasnt gotten there way. This coach knows the players and there capabilities,and does not put them in postions they can't play. I understand parents have different feelings about our children, we think they are the best in everything, thats parents loving and beleiving in our children. But we are not coaches, you have to realize in high schools its all about winning for the players and coaches, its not just about having fun and everyone plays like in elementary and middle schools.Parents do you think when they go to college that you will be able to tell that coach where to put your child. Grow up people. I have always been taught what goes around comes around. You know telling part truths will always come back on you and bite you. Just saying!!!! HE IS A GOOD COACH LOVED BY MANY.
Coach
Where you at the game at Rocky Mount Senior High last week?
Yes I was at the game. I saw
Yes I was at the game. I saw players/parents and a coach upset at the lost. I feel that if you want to point fingers about some verbal abuse you need to point in more than one dirrection, cause what I saw was players and parents that had some bad language. I do beleive we were at the same game and saw an heard the same things, I guess some of us just make it the what we want to make someone look bad. It is all good cause I know this coach will prevail and will keep his head held high.
COACH
If you think a good coach can verbaly abuse high school students then he is a great coach.
Coach
I know this coach, and he is very good at what he does and demands respect from his student-athletes. There should be more coaches like him in our school system. I am heart broken to see this happen to such a great person. I truely hope this isn't a vindictive move by administration to get rid of a coach that the AD and Principal does not get along with. There has been a silent swelling of disagreement with coaches and administration at Nash Central. The leadership (starting from the Principal and AD) have shown lack of intellegence or complete ignorance on alot of topics this year. This seems to be another one of those topics. Disappointed parent!!!!
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