Arlee coach who was assaulted by parent resigns

Zach Urness

Leader Staff

Arlee boys head basketball coach Brandon Hobbs has resigned as coach of the Warriors, but emphasized it had nothing to do with the fact that he was assaulted last season by a parent.

He cited financial reasons for leaving the program and said that he will turn his focus primarily to running the businesses he owns, all of which are based out of Missoula.

"It was a very tough decision," said Hobbs. "But I am self-employed and own a few companies in Missoula and I just couldn't make the commitment to being the head coach for time and financial reasons. I just need to focus on running the business at this point in my life."

Hobbs said that while he is resigning the top spot, he still hopes to be a part of the program in some capacity, noting that he worked as an assistant for two years before taking over last season.

"I really wish that I could stay on as head coach," he said of the decision.

"I want to stay connected to the program and help out in some way."

Hobbs only coached the Warriors for one season but led them to a 8-8 conference record that included two impressive wins over the rival Mission Bulldogs.

The season came to a tumultuous end for the team and Hobbs, however. On Feb. 16, after Arlee's final game of the season, Francis Pierre, the father of one of the Warriors players, punched Hobbs outside the team's locker room.

Pierre admitted to hitting Hobbs, but said that he did so because Hobbs was verbally abusive to his son and using foul language. Hobbs denies using foul language and said that Pierre was upset because of his son Richard's lack of playing time.

Pierre was charged with assult and disorderly conduct and will stand trial September 27 in Libby City Court. The incident took place at the district tourney there.

The incident led the Arlee school board to ban Pierre from all Arlee school district activities.

Hobbs was adamant that the incident had nothing to do with his leaving the program for the 2007-2008 season.

"It definitely has nothing to do with what happened," said Hobbs.

Hobbs also said that he will continue to work as a substitute teacher for the school district, something he has done for the last few years.