US coaching alliance voices message of support for former ETSU basketball coach Jason Shay

A nationwide community of basketball coaches and administrators issued a statement of support Friday for former ETSU basketball coach Jason Shay who resigned from the program earlier this week.

Rising Coaches for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion stated Shay was forced to resign after just one season following a tumultuous close to the 2021 campaign that included Shay supporting his team kneeling during the National Anthem prior to a game at Chattanooga to protest social injustice and police brutality.

ETSU Athletic Director Scott Carter said in a statement Thursday that Shay resigned on his own accord and was not influenced by anyone to leave the school.

Rising Coaches DEI Alliance statement on the resignation of ETSU men's basketball coach Jason Shay. ⬇️

We are asking every coach, despite race, gender or rank, to stand together in unity. #SupportCoachShay pic.twitter.com/WkSsuXXNcB

— Rising Coaches DEI-Alliance (@DeiRising) April 1, 2021

Members of the Tennessee General Assembly grilled ETSU President Brian Noland during a budget conference about the acts of the team and coach. Bristol Senator Jon Lundberg, who was vocal in that session, told CBS affiliate WJHL that he thought Shay was not that strong a coach and Shay’s leadership skills leave a lot to be desired.

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