Morton coach Dixon suspended

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Morton girls basketball coach Bryan Dixon has been suspended indefinitely, pending an investigation into allegations of improper conduct with one of his players.

Lawyers for both the Hammond Teachers Federation and the city school system were at the school Wednesday, interviewing students, teachers and administrators.

“We’re investigating the situation,” said Dan Friel, a lawyer for the School City of Hammond. “The school corporation will take what we deem to be appropriate action if we feel anything inappropriate took place.”

Two sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed that the player Dixon, 26, was allegedly involved with is 18.

Friel said the investigation — which has been led by lawyer Dan Dixon (no relation) and Hammond director of secondary education Theresa Mayerik, the former Morton principal — likely would be concluded and resolved today.

Bryan Dixon, who also teaches physical education at Morton, told the Post-Tribune on Wednesday evening that he was informed of the suspension on Tuesday, and was not told why or for how long.

He also declined to refute the rumors and allegations that have gripped the school the past two days.

“I really don’t want to comment on anything,” he said.

Two parents of current Morton girls basketball players also declined to comment.

Friel said the allegations were not brought by the student in question or her parents, but rather by another student who learned of the situation. That student reported it to the principal, who then involved the school corporation.

“We suspended the teacher as soon as it was brought to our attention,” Friel said.

Dixon teaches on a provisional emergency permit that, according to the department of education, expired at the end of last June. Another source within the school district said Dixon’s current temporary license expires this month, so his job was in jeopardy before the allegations were even made.

Hammond superintendent Walter Watkins and city athletic director Will Wraggs did not return messages.

Dixon was a three-sport standout at Portage, and graduated from St. Joseph’s College. He was hired at Morton in July of 2006.

Morton (6-4) doesn’t play another game until Saturday, when it hosts Clark.