Elk Grove High Parents Outraged By Coach's Conduct
ELK GROVE (CBS13) — Peggy Allen is beyond outraged Elk Grove High J.V. girls basketball coach still has a job.
"It's just sick, it's sick," Allen said. "He's disgusting. He's very much of a creep."
Peggy's daughter, Kelsea, said Erik Nakagawa swore at players and made "disgusting" comments.
"He's scary and nasty," Kelsea, the team's leading scorer, said.
The Elk Grove Unified School District has confirmed two such incidents in a letter Peggy says she received from the Principal Catherine Guy.
In one such incident, Nakagawa said to a player during practice, "Pick up your p---- and put it back in your pocket."
"He says that every practice," Kelsea said. "I think that's disgusting. you especially don't say that to girls who are 14, 15, 16."
When players saw a box of condoms in the coach's car, Nakagawa said "At least you know your coach is a pimp."
The school district says these are isolated incidents, telling CBS13:
"While the remarks were definitely inappropriate and not condoned by the district, the investigation found neither remark rose to the legal definition of sexual harassment. We've taken appropriate action to ensure it won't happen again."
Peggy minces no words—saying by not firing Nakagawa, the district is putting players on the team at risk.
"He's grooming girls for something else, I believe," she said. When asked if she understood the magnitude of her statement, she replied, "Yes, I do realize, and I believe it 100 percent."
Nakagawa couldn't be reached for comment.
In the letter to Peggy, the principal says a large majority of students and parents interviewed support the coach, believing he provides positive leadership.
The district says it "took action" but wouldn't confirm if he was suspended. They did say he remains with the district as a coach. He doesn't teach any classes.
If he's coaching next season, Kelsea says she won't go out for the team.