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A Career Rebound For Federally Charged Coach

By Brian Hagen

04/09/2014

B.J. Smith

(KNZA)--Despite his recent guilty plea to federal charges related to a car theft ring, Highland Community College's Head Women's Basketball Coach will remain in that position.

The decision by the college to retain B.J. Smith was made public Wednesday in a written statement released by the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement and the Executive Director of the HCC Foundation.

Craig Mosher, Ph. D. says that while the college “recognizes the serious situation that has taken place,” college officials remained supportive of Smith.

The coach recently met with Highland President David Reist who, following consultation with legal counsel and the College Board of Trustees, stated that Smith will be assisted by the college through his current situation. He will remain in place as the women's basketball coach, subject to guidelines established for his conduct and subject to the sentencing agreement set to happen on July 1st.

Reist says the decision keeps with the mission of community colleges to better the situation of those who are willing to improve.

Smith, according to the statement, has kept Highland officials informed about all details of his legal troubles while fully cooperating with law enforcement.

Smith recently pleaded guilty to obtaining fraudulent transfer titles from the Osage Nation for five vehicles in 2011 and 2012, allowing the vehicles to be resold.

Just weeks ago, Smith led Highland's women's basketball team to a second place national finish.

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Comments

KS_Referee (04/09/2014 9:21 PM)

The coachs repeated illegal activity means NOTHING as long as he produces winning teams. It appears there is no room for demanding morality, decency and lawful behavior of the leaders of college sports. Victims will still suffer even though the heads Highland Community College dismiss this illegal activity as NOTHING. What a disgrace.

Sunflower (04/12/2014 2:20 PM)

I think this was a great decision by the college. People make mistakes. We need to have more employers that stand by their employees. People that change after something like this are valuable parts of communities. They are role models for people that want to turn their lives around. He could be a great mentor for students that may have law enforcement contact. Because he remained employed he is less likely to commit any further criminal acts. I see in this article that he committed the same crime five times. Is that what is meant by ‘repeated ‘in your comment? KS_Referee I see your comments a lot of places and they are always so negative. I wish you some happiness.