Coach Suspended by Simi Valley

Simi Valley High basketball Coach Dean Bradshaw was suspended by school officials from participating in Friday’s Marmonte League game against Thousand Oaks.

The suspension is the result of Bradshaw’s verbal altercation with game officials after Simi Valley’s 65-62 overtime loss to Camarillo on Wednesday.

According to witnesses and Cal Houston, who assigns officials in Ventura County, Bradshaw followed the officials to their dressing quarters at the conclusion of the game at Simi Valley and had to be restrained by Jack Harris, a teacher at the school.

“Apparently the referees weren’t touched, but he (Bradshaw) had to be restrained,” said Houston, who added he had not yet received a report from the officials.

Bradshaw, in his third year as head coach at Simi Valley, did not return phone calls Friday.

Simi Valley Principal David Ellis instructed coaches and players not to comment on the incident. Ellis would not divulge the length of the suspension, but a source said it was for one game.

Although Friday’s contest was the regular-season finale for Simi Valley, the Pioneers (9-16) are expected to compete in the Southern Section playoffs.

Houston said Friday that Ellis and Bradshaw had a lengthy discussion Thursday. “We support (Ellis) on his action,” Houston said. “It was an unfortunate incident, but the school has taken steps toward it not happening again.”

Assistants Steve Johnson and Christian Aurand coached the team in Bradshaw’s absence.