Burke County Assistant Basketball Coach Arrested After Incident During Game

26-year-old Patrick Alexander Kelly of Hickory was arrested Tuesday (January 31) by Burke County Sheriff’s Officers. He was charged with misdemeanor counts of assault and battery and disorderly conduct.

Last Thursday (January 26), during a basketball game at Table Rock Middle School between Table Rock and East Burke Middle Schools an incident took place involving an assistant coach at East Burke Middle and the head coach at Table Rock. The incident took place after what is described as a minor disagreement with an officiating call during the game.

According to the Sheriff’s Office,Kelly stood up quickly from the bench and charged toward the head coach of Table Rock. While Kelly was going toward the coach, he pushed the Table Rock assistant coach along with a juvenile. The assistant coach and juvenile were attempting to stop Kelly when they were pushed.

After this incident, the School Resource Officer escorted Kelly out of the gym where he was detained. Kelly was released because the other parties involved did not wish to pursue charges. After consulting with the District Attorney’s Office on January 27, warrants for arrest were issued on Kelly.

Kelly was arrested without incident Tuesday and was issued a $1,000 secured bond. He is not listed as an inmate in Burke County. A first appearance in District Court is scheduled for February 20.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY