There’s no denying that the kid’s uncle loves him.. As all good uncles do..I’m sure he is looking out for his nephew’s best interest..

The coach and the kid have words after they lost a game..

At a closed door meeting the school for unknown reasons sides with the coach..

Now the coach cant be reached for comment..which is a pretty smart move on his part..the kid refuses to comment to TV 13..which isnt too good a move on his part...while the kid’s Mom comments but not about the particulars of the argument that occured between the coach and the kid..

So now the uncle wants to use the media like a pit bull to go after the coach and even possibly his assistants..

How could you not look further into this story ?

It has all the makings of a tv mini-series..all the drama of a soap opera..and is close enough to home to be a local human interest story..

I suggest we go back to the actual fight..(it seems like every participant involved here is avoiding that puppy like the plague)..and get the low-down on what was said and by whom..

I’ll keep watchin’ the sports news for this story to unfold..

Well unfortunately no one will really know what happened in that locker except the coach, Jared and his fellow team members. In my personal opinion I think it was a situation that should have been handled between Samuel and Marine. I don’t think he should have been “kicked” off the team for the reason mentioned, an arguement.

My question is who does the coach answer to when he gets out of character with the players? I’ve been reading all the news about the Hartsville Basketball team and it seems to me Jared was doing a fine job at being a team player. I am shocked that Samuel would do such a thing to such a great player who is looking to be recruited for his skills. I think this whole situation needs another evaluation cause it’s clear that this is about more than just an arguement in the locker room.

My regards goes out to the Marine family and especially Jared. Stay strong and focused everything will work out for you and I wish you all the luck in the future.

In the words of his mother:

In the lockeroom after the loss to Sumter, Marine began taking off one of his sneakers because his ankle was bothering him.

Coach Samuel told him to stop moving.  Then the shoe ‘fell’ off his foot.  Coach Samuel then began to scream at the team with focus on Marine.  Jared’s response included “Why are you yelling at me?” (Marine had just scored 30 points).  Samuel asked him to take off his jersey and leave.  Marine did quietly. 

Once again, this is the mother’s description of the incident, which was obviously from Marine.  I have once again tried to reach Samuel today and he has been unavailable to comment.

Wolf, I’m not sure that answers any of your questions.

Except the one about me looking into this story.

You da Man Matt!

All of what Marine says may very well be true..and if it is..then I would back him 110%..

But with all of the he said..she said..going on in this..I just cant join the witch hunt and hang the coach out to dry..

Often times when those involved start dancing around a matter that sits right smack dab in the middle of a situation...it doesnt turn out good..

My point is if they are going to drag this into the limelight then lay all of your cards up on the table and let the chips fall where they may..

Dont expect the public to fall in behind you on a crusade without giving them all of the facts..

I would be curious to see how the coach’s version differs from all of this..or how split the team is on what they say happened..

I know that if anyone can make sense of all of this..it will be you Matt!

Cam..I wish I could see it as clearly as you do..but I cant..

I cant fathom the idea of a principal sitting behind his desk..listening to Jared’s side of this..with parents in tow..

..then turning to the coach and asking if he had anything to add..and him saying that he didnt..Jared’s version about summed it all up..

..and them deciding to let the coach’s ruling stand..

I do however agree that there is likely to be more to this than just an argument that occured after this game...but I dont feel like it will turn out to be something in Jared’s best interest..

No school Admin is going to commit career suicide just to keep a small town coach happy..whatever transpired in that meeting was compelling enough to convince school officials that the coach was in the right in his decision..

I’d like to see this story unfold but it will likely meet an untimely demise..

Then hopefully Jared can get on to planning his future..and put all of this behind him..

I do hope that all of my thinking is wrong..but I just dont see it..

This is Jared’s uncle again. I do not condone bad behavior in sports, in a job or in the classroom. In this situation you have to look at the history. There is none! What about the TEAM? Good athletic programs are built over a period of time with strong leaders, who lead, teach, mentor, promote and coach. Simply said “I don’t think throwing your best player off the team with only a few games remaining in his Senior season is in the best interest of the team, the school or the player” in that order! For those persons who may think I am siding with my nephew, investigate the facts! After losing 2 All State performers, someone should be asking why!

Mr Richardson..

Thank you for taking the time to post here Sir..

I would have to say that it would depend on what the player is being thrown off the team for..as to whether it is best for the team..school..or the player himself..

Your family definitely has us wondering why two All State performers have been lost..but even moreso with what is going on with Jared..and where his thoughts are now on his future in the sport..

I personally started out interested in what happened and why..so that I could fully understand both sides of this..but at this point I dont really care anymore about people pointing fingers and laying the blame somewhere..

I’m more interested in what Jared himself wants..I’m sure with a role model such as yourself..he will survive this unfortunate incident..which should be at the top of everyone’s list..

I honestly think Jared should consider talking to Matt..if he hasnt already..same as I think that the coach should at least comment on the issue..hearing from everyone other than the key players in this problem only adds to the confusion..

Sometimes in the process of protecting a loved one..it is possible to do more harm than good..and at some point all of these ill feelings need to be set aside to allow for a bit of healing..

Mr. Richardson with all due respect..it is very difficult to investigate the facts when everyone is in lockdown mode and wont comment..

I hope nothing but the best for Jared..as well as your entire family..

Again..Thank You for your comments Sir!

I spoke with Coach Samuel at the Hartsville/Conway game.  He told me that Jared was kicked off the team “because of a violation of team policy.” And that “that’s all they want me to say.”

So that’s all the information it looks like we’re getting from that side of things.

Thanks Matt!

That certainly doesnt make the coach or the school look any better in all of this..

Seeing that we cant squeeze blood out of a rock..that leaves me to believe that “Thinkin’ with Lincoln” aint as easy as it looks..

I still opt to pick this kid back up..dust him off..and point him in the right direction for his future..which I feel confident that Mr. Richardson and his family will do..

Appreciate all your efforts Matt!

Man I thought the Latta High situation was bad until I heard about this story. Ive spoken with Jared since this and he’s in good spirts. There is noway you can possible kick a player off the team for a lil disagreement I guess. This is the second big profile player to leave the team. Something else gotta be goin on over there. Atlease he still have his offers on the table,but its ashame he wont be able to showcase his game to other coaches @ the allstar games.

It’s funny how he(Samuel) now mentions a violation of team policy, what could have Jared possibly done in that locker room to have him kicked off the team in a matter of minutes after entering the locker room after the game?

I am not saying that this couldn’t be true but if Samuel is going to say something like that then why not tell it all. Like Wolf mentioned lay the cards out on the table. Everyone knows it’s more than one side to a story. Like I mentioned earlier we will never know what truly happened in that locker room and I don’t think Jared has to speak with anyone to prove himself. I’ve witnessed Samuel coaching during the holiday’s and I will say I wasn’t a huge fan of his level of doing.

I agree with Mr. Richardson when he says that the qualifications need to be investigated cause I am sure we all will be shocked to find out what the results really are.

Back to the situation at hand, it’s obvious that someone thought it was serious enough to go to the media with it and some may think that the principal did the right thing in the meeting today but truly, when have you known any adult to side with a student in a matter like this if he’s getting two versions, of course the adult wins. I attended the school so I know it hasn’t changed much since my days.

You have to admit though that it can’t totally be the players if they have lost TWO of their key players and not very far apart. It raises an eyebrow to me and I sure it does to other people as well. Just think if it were your kid how would you feel?

I know Jared will have a bright future no matter what has happened, yes it was unfortunate but it will not stop him from having a promising future in basketball and I surely don’t think he’s lost any love for the sport. Again I still send all my regards to the Marine family.

The crime doesn’t fit the punishment. No priors, no brainer! Got to be personal.

Why mortally found a young man early on in his young life and potentially take away an OPPORTUNITY.He has a chance to get an education and play basketball...on scholarhip! Bad coaching move!!!! Mean-spirited!
Who’s accountable to whom?

I am Jared’s aunt, his mother Audra is my younger sister. First, let me say this: thanks to all of you for your interest in my nephew’s future. Stepping aside from my role as his aunt, I can say that Jared is really an exceptional child, and he will do well in life.  Sports is not the only avenue that Jared has to further his education.  Jared will attend college with or without a sports scholarship.  With that being said, his “hoop dreams” are not over.

I would like to address a few of your comments.

I posted on WBTW’s Voice of the Viewer a comment that is an accurate portrayal of my nephew and the situation at hand: 

Regarding the coverage of All-State senior basketball player, Jared Marine of Hartsville High School. Jared is my nephew, and is one of the most polite children you could imagine. Jared has had to endure his coach’s tirades over the course of the season, and has done so with a grace uncommon in teenagers today. It should make you wonder why two (2) All-State players are no longer on the Red Fox team. Perhaps, instead of reporting on a 17-year college bound student, you should investigate the antics of an unseasoned, non-certified coach. Without the proper teaching and motivational techniques of certified educators, it is apparent that Coach Samuels is ill-equipped to handle the demands of working with youth.

My sister met with school officials, NOT to get Jared back on the team, but to address what happened to her child after a basketball game. When my nephew came out of the locker room, he told his mother what happened.  As any parent would, she asked the coach if they could discuss it.  He blew her off, and said “I have nothing to say to you”.  Can any of you imagine going to any other “teacher” and gatting that reaction?  Oh, wait...Coach Samuel is not a teacher, nor is he certified by the State of SC as a teacher.

My sister’s recourse was to request a meeting with school officials regarding a situation that occured during a SCHOOL event. We are not on a “witch hunt” or using the media as our own personal “pit bull”.  Phone calls poured into us immediately after Matt’s 6:00 report on Thursday from people inquiring about it. At that point, we thought no one other than family knew what happened. The Marine family did not contact the media until AFTER the story broke.

We simply wanted to find out what transpired between a student and a coach that was so horrible that the student was removed from the team. The coach never gave my sister the courtesy of explaining what transpired, so she took it up with school officials.

My nephew is taking his SAT’s at this very moment.  Perhaps, his reluctance to speak to the media, had more to do with preparing for this test, than “sweeping something under the rug”.  My nephew is 17-years old. He is a child, not a player in the NBA. He is hurt and disappointed by the recent events, but he will “rebound”.  He is a Marine...the few, the proud.

Thank you for your “lively” debate. We are not crusading for a cause. We are not asking the public to rally around our point of view.  Jared will continue his education.  This story will fade into the background, and his life will continue.

Matt, thank you for discussing this with me the other night, and allowing us to post in this forum.

Ms. Glasco..

It’s very nice to hear your input..

I’m curious though..How long has Coach Samuel held his current position?

If he is ill-equipped and all of the other bad things we have heard about him..why wasnt he these things before this incident? Surely someone would have noticed this before now..

Does a coach even need to be certified as a teacher when his role isnt that of a teacher ?

If the coach is in the wrong that would mean that the school Admin as in the wrong as well..can this matter be handled on a higher level such as a district level ? And if it were..what is the best that the Marine family can hope for ?

Thank You for comments..they are appreciated!

So far your family members that we have encountered have been nothing short of lovely people..I wish we could have met you all under different circumstances.

This is Samuels’ second year as Red Fox coach.  Last year, the team advanced to the Lower State Finals. 

There are other districts around South Carolina that require head coaches for any sport to be a teacher at the school.  Horry County schools have this policy.

Other schools around the Pee Dee have head coaches that don’t teach at the high school, but do in fact teach at other schools.  Pete Ellis at Marion High teaches at the elementary school, and Ken Howle at Darlington teaches at one of the lower level schools in D-Town.

Samuels works for the Hartsville Family YMCA.

So the comments on certification are mere hits below the belt then..as he doesnt teach elsewhere..he isnt required to be certified..

Not one complaint as he “coached” them into the Lower State Finals ?

Seems a bit odd...to say the least..

I really hate being the voice of reason..but somebody’s gotta do it..

This is his third year not second.  There have been complaints in the past but they were not as high profile as this one.

Not being certified makes him different than 90% of other coaches… They are not cheap shots.

Advancing to the Lower State Finals makes him the “same” as how many coaches?

Being “different” isnt illegal or immoral..so yes they were cheap shots..

“different” got them to the Lower State Finals..were any of you standing there complaining about his certification then?

I’m also curious about the team..is Hartsville on a losing streak now that Jared has been removed from the team?

Looking back at Matt’s earlier comment..

“He told me that Jared was kicked off the team “because of a violation of team policy.” And that “that’s all they want me to say.”

Could and should this have been taken as the coach’s way of protecting Jared from being drug into the spotlight?

Limiting comments about this could lead down two seperate streets...one protecting yourself..the other protecting the kid..

Fact Checker..what a lovely name..except that the general public isnt going to check facts before they form an opinion..quite frankly..they wont ask near as many questions as I have..and as I have stated..I like the Marine family..

I assure you that I remain the same in my thinking..Jared’s future is more important than his past to me..

..and I am pale in comparison..to some of the hurdles that you will encounter along the course of discussing this with the general public..

Jared was drug into the spotlight the minute the media announced it on the news, so having Samuel say it was a “violation of team policy” makes it clear to me that he had no other reason for kicking him off the team except a personal reason. Him limiting his comments wasn’t to protect Jared but more like to protect himself. The team did win their last game against Conway without Jared but that doesn’t mean that one person carries a team, it just means the TEAM worked together to get the job done. Truly anyone can play ball without a coach so in my opinion Samuel had nothing to do with the win but with them having three more games left lets see how the rest of the season goes.

I’d need to see a list of the violations and then know the particular violation he was charged with..and even then it would be a mere guess on my part as to whether the coach did it for personal reasons or not..

As I said..limiting the comments heads off in two completely different directions..I’ve seen no proof of his intentions either way..so only the coach himself could answer that one..

I agree..one player doesnt carry the team..if he tries..that would be violating team policy..

I disagree about a coach not being needed..a team would lack direction or motivation..at the very least if it werent for the coach..

I’m sure Coach Samuel had something to do with their winning..I look at any coach as a part of the team..

I dont think the outcome of the next 3 games will change anyone’s thinking on the coach..you have already stated that he isnt needed and does nothing in the way of helping them win games..

I however have to see proof that something was done for personal reasons against a specific player..otherwise all I see is a team going through a rough time and working their way through it..

I dont feel comfortable making a judgement call on the coach or the player..from all of that I have seen..read..or heard about this situation..

But then..that’s just me..

Wolf:
Have you ever played team sports? If so, when, where and how long. You’re a great advocate for the coach. True athletes and team players don’t work hard for several years to throw it all away in an instant! Emotions will always be a part of the game. That’s where the coach comes in makes sense of it all, brings a sense of calm and inspires more effort the next time. Would you agree?
This commentary has gone far enough! You’re fired! Sound familiar!

I was on a SEAL team...does that count?

I’m more of an advocate for the truth and not making judgement calls without seeing proof..as I stated..that’s just me..you are more than welcome to use whatever approach works best for you..

Your description of a coach’s job lacks quite a bit..motivation and initiative..productivity..quality and effectiveness..are just a few things that come to mind..and most coaches that I have seen do alot of yelling..some even have little temper tantrums..

You ask me a question..then state that this commentary has gone far enough..are you always this confused?

Yeah that does sound familiar..

You’re Donald Trump..?

I am Jared Marine’s mother and am here to set the record straight.  First and foremost, what some (WOLF) seem to forget is that MY SON is a child - not an adult, but a CHILD.  If you have children, then could you stop for a minute and put yourselves in this position.  I stand behind my decision not to allow my child to speak with the media.  I am his parent and his guardian and will speak on his behalf.

Jared is a senior in high school who’s record speaks for itself.  He has been through all 12 years of school without a blemish in his school record.  He is an good, academic student and an oustanding athlete.  He represented the school as Mr. Hartsville High and has been on the school and National Honor Roll as well as being listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students (Academic AND Sports Editions). 

Jared has played organized basketball (school level and AAU circuit) since he was 7 years old.  In those 10 years, he’s NEVER ONCE been suspended, forced to sit out games, or ever even had an attitude or behavior problem.  He toured the country this past summer with the Beach Ball Select team and came home with outstanding recruiting opportunities.  He’s also played with the AAU TOPPS and SC Ravens out of Columbia, SC, Team Truth out of Augusta, GA and Carolina Celtics out of Greenville, SC.  He was recently named to the 2007 Chick-Fil-A Classic All Tournament Team and was noted as one of the top players to watch at the nationally renown Beach Ball Classic.  He’s an All Region, All State performer who was named by Coach Samuels as Offensive MVP and Most Improved in past seasons and was the team captain this season and co-captain last season.

In the meeting with the coach and high school administrators, the coach even echoed Jared’s good, moral character to the administration.  He said in the three years he’s been affiliated with HHS athletics, he’s NEVER ONCE had a problem with Jared.  He went further to say that Jared was NEVER disrespectful, NEVER rude and NEVER cursed him or any others.  He even asked if he could speak with recruiters and scouts that are currently talking with us to let them know this.  When I asked him what was so grave in that locker room that he felt the need to dismiss Jared, he couldn’t give me a direct answer.  The true reason why the coach felt the need to dismiss him was because Jared questioned the coach’s professionalism and judgment.

In the locker room, the coach faulted Jared for the loss and when Jared asked why didn’t others ever get blamed, the coach became irate and threatened Jared by telling him that he was about to make him lose his job in there that night.  In reviewing School District rules and policies governing teacher conduct, physical assault on a student is grounds for termination.  Jared took this as a threat, and immediately did as was asked, removed his uniform and left the Sumter locker room. 

Several concerns arise out of the coach’s conduct: 

(1) If you have the authority to remove a player from the team during an AWAY game, who’s responsible for how he gets home.  The coaches actions were irresponsible and unprofessional in that he removed my son from the team and wasn’t the least bit concerned about how he was going to get back to Hartsville from Sumter.  When I questioned officials on this point, no answer could be given to me.

(2) Threatening a child, especially where physical assault is the imminent threat, is grounds for termination.  Does this not apply to Hartsville’s coach because he is NOT a school district employee?  Should he not have been reprimanded or investigated where the threat was concerned.  Again, when I asked this question, neither the coach nor administration could provide an answer or restitution.

(3) When asked why other players who earlier in the year cursed assistant coaches and were disrespectful and rude but were only suspended for a few games and allowed to remain on the team, the coach and administration responded that an investigation determined that the incident in question did not occur.  When Jared refuted saying that he was present during the time and heard/saw the altercation, the coach nor administration could answer.

The bottom line is… There are some serious ills with the basketball program at the school and rather that address those ills, children are used as the scapegoats for the ADULTS’ incompetence.  I see now why the other All State player disassociated himself from the program.  There was an assistant coach who also disassociated himself prior to the commencement of the season.  It’s a good thing that the other player had other athletic options to consider. 

It is interesting to note that there are several players who just this season wanted to quit because of Coach Samuels, but MY SON, JARED, is the one that talked them into staying and supporting the coach.  Another interesting point to note is that during his sidebar 2007 Hoop Zone All Zone Team Induction Interview, Jared had NOTHING but praise and support for the same Coach Samuels who just recently felt the need to remove him from his team.  It’s still on the WPDE website - check it out.  A final point of interest is that I was asked by several neighboring schools as well as some in Columbia and the beach to relocate so that Jared could be an integral part of their basketball organizations; however, Jared asked me not to relocate because of his allegiance to Coach Samuels and the Hartsville basketball program.  Funny what such an undying allegiance can end up getting you - a knife in the back!

This is a very sad situation and it infuriates me that my son is catching the brunt of it.  However, he remains upbeat and positive and is focused on the NEXT LEVEL.  He knows that there’s a world (and life) after high school basketball and he intends to pursue his dreams and aspirations.

Thank You Mrs. Marine ..

For giving me useful information that has not been present for this entire discussion.

I think of Jared as a young man..Ma’am..and I have absolutely no problems with your decision on him talking to the Media..I think if you re-read that..I suggested he talk to Matt..that was not to be taken as in an interview..but more on a personal level..

I havent sided with anyone on this matter..I merely said that I didnt have the information or proof that anything had been done wrong on either side..therefore making it impossible for me to render a judgement either way..

Now this was brought to the public’s attention..and I have been trying to see both sides of the coin..it seems apparent to me that many want just one side of it seen..I’m not that kind of person..

But what does it matter what I think anyway Ma’am ? I dont exist in your life or your son’s..I’m just a guy who was asking questions that needed to be asked..to better understand this unfortunate situation..

I am far from the worst that you or your son will encounter in your life-time..

I will add that I envy Jared..he has a loving and supporting family..he cant help but do good in life..

Mrs. Marine..I’m sorry this happened to your son and I’m sorry you took what I said as being against any of you..I truly am not..

I also hope you find a resolution to this problem..and that Jared goes on to have a wonderful and fulfilling life..

Thank You for your comments and your time!

Why is it that, although one keeps stressing that this is a “child”, we’re blowing him up as if he’s being recruited for the LA LAKERS?!!! He IS A CHILD who has suffered something so unfortunate but something that he’ll overcome. You want to know the REAL UNFORTUNATE part of it...Jared’s demise will be at the hands of his own mother. You see it EVERYDAY in the youth who are involved in sports and their parent(s) thinks they’re the next LeBron James...getting so involved in how much time their child plays or vice versa, etc...you know where I’m going with this.  If I’m not mistaken, Ms. A. Marine has NEVER cared for Coach Samuel and last year wanted him fired. Now...Jared is obviously a good athlete. He’ll be just fine considering he scores well on the SAT. Again, it’s unfortunate that he has to go through this but my belief is, in an indirect way, it’s not Jared’s fault...and NOR is it Coach Samuel’s fault. College’s don’t tolerate “parent” involvement as such, so, Ms. Marine, be prepared to transfer your “child” to another school if you have any complaints at that level. Oh yeah...would you rather have a teacher coach a sport they know NOTHING about just b/c the position HAS TO BE FILLED BY A TEACHER???? Can’t win for losin’!