Coaches reinstated after probe into racist taunts at Bay Area high school baseball game

Pinole Valley High School’s head baseball coach, T’won Blake, and assistant coach, Will Tipton, will return to their positions following an internal investigation into racist taunts allegedly directed at Albany High School players of Asian descent during a varsity game on April 23.

West Contra Costa Unified School District officials told KRON4 that investigators were unable to confirm who made the remarks and said the coaches were unaware of the comments until after the game.

District officials said both coaches cooperated fully with the inquiry and acted appropriately once informed of the incident. In response, the district will place a school administrator and the athletic director at all remaining Pinole Valley baseball games. Albany Unified School District maintains that the taunts came from the Pinole Valley dugout.

The reinstatement has drawn criticism from some parents, including Eugene Lee, who questioned the lack of disciplinary action for players. Lee, whose son was one of the players targeted by the remarks, continues to call for stronger accountability and broader institutional change. WCCUSD has reiterated its commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all students.