An assistant high school basketball coach Arlisha Boykins created waves on the internet after she was caught playing on a team that she was supposed to be coaching. This is truly unheard of at the professional level and she was terminated from employment soon after playing in the game. Additionally, the Portsmouth Public school Head coach was also fired.
MUST SEE: A 22-year-old Virginia H.S. basketball coach is fired after impersonating a 13-year-old in a JV basketball game!! They also CANCELED the ENTIRE season for this!
This was at Churchland H.S. in Portsmouth, VA. on Jan 21st.
Here’s the video: pic.twitter.com/xUyoBwPx75
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) February 1, 2023
The school authorities soon sent out a statement condemning Boykins’ actions and criticizing her impulsive and rash behavior. Additionally, basketball fans across the world also opined and shared their thoughts after this bizarre incident became public. Let us take a look at the context and background as well as understand what fans are saying at this juncture.
Fans call out Arlisha Boykins for impersonating a student in a high school basketball game
It is truly unclear what happened prior to these events. Boykins is 22 years old and was the assistant coach for the Portsmouth public school girls’ basketball team called Churchland. They were taking on a rival high school called Nansemond River High School. This was a match that the Churchland players must have certainly been looking forward to.
We do not know if they played badly, or aggravated Boykins to the extent that she got on the court to play with students almost a decade younger than her. The Head coach who allowed all of this to unfold was also fired alongside Arlisha.
NBA fans are truly perplexed as to what possessed her to behave in this manner. After all, she lost her job and livelihood to make a point that we will never understand. While a few people defend her, most are calling her out for participating in this game, “They have plenty of adult leagues she could have played in. Why cost yourself a job and potentially your career?”
They have plenty of adult leagues she could have played in. Why cost yourself a job and potentially your career?
— Marcus Atkinson Sr. (@matkinson_bball) February 1, 2023
Some even mocked her for celebrating her shots when the opposition’s physical abilities would certainly be inferior, “The fact she’s celebrating an and 1 on kids 10 years younger than her is mind blowing. I would hope you could dominate.”
The fact she’s celebrating an and 1 on kids 10 years younger than her is mind blowing. 😂 I would hope you could dominate.
— Missy Baker ✨ (@Misdameanor30) February 1, 2023
A few fans even defended her, “If you want something done right, do it yourself” and, “Would it be a big deal if one of those kids played in an adult game? No. Not sure why the double standard.” were some of the many comments posted on the internet.
Would it be a big deal if one of those kids played in an adult game? No.
Not sure why the double standard.
— Cliff Harrison (@cdogg1975) February 1, 2023
“If you want something done right, do it yourself” 💯🔥
— Big Creature. 🦧 (@DrewNextD00R) February 2, 2023
In any case, people are ridiculing her for throwing away her livelihood and career for a moment of glory. The fact that this happened also speaks to the state of officiating and regulation for some of these games.
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