Keith Wilkinson, the JSerra (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) boys basketball head coach and a former USC men’s basketball player, received a six-game suspension for throwing a pair of shoes during the team’s game against Mater Dei last week, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Wilkinson was ejected from the game and had an automatic one-game suspension. The California Interscholastic Federation – Southern Section (CIF-SS) added five games to the suspension on Friday.
Wilkinson threw his shoe in protest of a non-foul-call on a layup attempt with 3:12 remaining in the game and Mater Dei leading by seven points. The Lions picked up its third loss of the season in the 78-67 defeat at the hands of Mater Dei, which was ranked No. 23 in the opening Super 25 national rankings released on Tuesday.
Here is a replay of the incident. After Wilkinson was ejected, he threw his other shoe at the ground and walked off the court.
JSerra coach explosion, it’s been a physical game but this is another level reaction pic.twitter.com/UKtopy85vr
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) January 6, 2024
Afterward, he said he did not regret throwing the shoe.
“My mentor Tim Floyd would have thrown a chair,” he said.” As mad as people think I am, that was more to have my kids back.”
In the press release announcing the decision on Friday, Wilkinson apologized.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I apologize for letting my emotions to get the best of me,” he said.
JSerra media release. pic.twitter.com/kmO4P3VZmn
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) January 13, 2024
JSerra principal Eric Stroupe said the school continues to support Wilkinson, complimenting his tenure as coach and calling his work as an administrative professional “highly exemplary and commendable.”
Since JSerra’s back-to-back losses to Mater Dei and St. John Bosco, the Lions have won two straight games against Orange Lutheran and Santa Margarita. The team is 17-3 on the season as of Jan. 13.
The suspension will last through the Jan. 24 rematch against Mater Dei, and Wilkinson will be able to return Jan. 26 against Orange Lutheran.
