Lynn English boys basketball coach Buzzy Barton has been suspended from coaching his team in the upcoming MIAA state tournament as well as the first 10 games of the 2010-2011 season. An MIAA hearing board from District A and B announced the decision this afternoon. The issue stems from a complaint filed by East Boston Headmaster Mike Rubin who alleged that a member of the Lynn English basketball staff recruited an East Boston student-athlete. The matter came before a board comprised of District A and District B officials last Friday in Malden. The hearing board issued its decision this afternoon. In addition to Barton's suspension the board added three more penalities:

1. Lynn English boys basketball assistant coach Simmie Anderson, the assistant who contacted the East Boston student, is ineligible until further notice from coaching any and all MIAA interscholastic sport teams. 

2. Lynn English principal Andrew Fila will be sent a letter of reprimand citing his culpability in the recruitment of a student.

3. A letter will be sent to Lynn English athletic director Gary Molea instructing him to work with the Superintendent of Schools, Catherine Latham, to establish clear guidlines in regards to residency and the transfer of students in and out of Lynn schools.

The penalty called for by MIAA rule was reduced because Rubin asked that the Lynn players not be penalized for the actions of adults and because Latham acted quickly to suspend Anderson. The decision can be appealed.