Paloma basketball coach placed on administrative leave

Michael Pfeiffer, head boys basketball coach at Paloma Valley High School, was recently placed on administrative leave from his coaching position following allegations he verbally and physically abused some of his players, Menifee 24/7 has learned.

Pfeiffer did not coach the last four games of the season after being placed on leave while an investigation is conducted regarding complaints made by parents and players, said Grant Bennett, superintendent of the Perris Union High School District. The Wildcats finished the season on Feb. 7 with a 7-19 record.

Bennett said Pfeiffer continues to work as a teacher and athletic director at the school during the investigation.

"I would think within the next couple weeks we will have a resolution of this," Bennett said about the investigation of Pfeiffer (right). "We had some complaints made by some parents and some players that we have to look into. I can't go into what they involved because of confidentiality reasons."

The parent of a player on the basketball team told Menifee 24/7 that he has heard from his son, others on the team and parents of other players that Pfeiffer is verbally abusive of his players, throws balls at them and has grabbed players in anger.

Paloma Valley High School is not in session this week. Pfeiffer could not be reached for comment. Paloma Valley Principal Don Williamson had no comment when contacted by Menifee 24/7.

According to the Paloma Valley High School website, Pfeiffer is in his 24th year of education, holding a Bachelors Degree in history and a Masters Degree in Education from University of La Verne. He is the winningest coach in Paloma Valley High School basketball history, with his best team posting a 21-7 record in 2008-09.