MISHAWAKA, Ind. (WNDU) – Demetrius Jackson has been charged with two counts of battery, including battery resulting in bodily injury, in connection with an incident during a boys basketball practice at Marian High School on March 10.
Jackson, a Marian alum and Notre Dame standout who played in the NBA, was participating in the practice when the incident occurred.
The incident
According to charging paperwork citing video of the incident, Jackson and an 18-year-old player began exchanging words during practice.
According to the report, Jackson was trash talking the 18-year-old. When the player confronted him, Jackson reportedly said “This is my court, I can say whatever . . . I want,” later saying he would “beat” the player in front of his father.
The father, who is also a coach on the team, allegedly heard Jackson tell his son “say something else, you’re going to find out.” Other people at the practice also reportedly overheard comments being exchanged between the two.
According to the report, Jackson then headbutted and grabbed the player’s neck, hard enough to hurt the player and leave red marks on his throat.
Jackson reportedly told a detective he did it because he received “cheap shots” and was told earlier to be “physical” with the players to prepare for an upcoming game, but other coaches denied that to police.
When the player’s father intervened, investigators said Jackson headbutted and shoved him.
Practice resumed but the altercation continued when moments later, the video allegedly shows Jackson grabbing the coach by the shirt and throwing him to the ground. According to the report he and another coach tried to persuade Jackson to leave but he refused.
Head coach fired
Two days after the incident, coach Robb Berger was suspended for an IHSAA violation, which he said was related to an “unrostered player” joining practice. He was fired last week.
On Sunday, Marian High School parents received an email from Principal Mark Freund saying “The head basketball coach is responsible for, amongst other things, the conduct of practices, compliance with IHSAA rules, and most importantly, the maintenance of a safe environment for students.”
In a one-on-one interview with WNDU 16 News Now the day after he was fired, Berger said he takes responsibility, but believes Athletic Director Steve Ravotto should too. Berger said Ravotto saw Jackson start the altercation but instead of removing him from practice, told Berger to make sure the media doesn’t find out.
Calls for AD resignation
An anonymous group of concerned parents sent a letter on Friday calling for Ravotto to resign or be terminated. In the letter, they list some of his job duties and say he has “repeatedly failed to fulfill these responsibilities,” citing another physical altercation between a coach and a student during a track and field practice in the 2024-25 school year. They say this could have been prevented too.
WNDU reached out to Ravotto, but he said he cannot comment on the issue. He also said renaming the basketball court, which is named after Jackson, has not been formally discussed.
Jackson created a skills camp for youth and local basketball players after returning home from the NBA.
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