Ferndale Boys Basketball Coach Cleared, Reinstated After Investigation

varsity boys basketball coach Tom Staton was reinstated Monday , according to a news release  from Ferndale Schools.

"Superintendent Gary Meier, in a letter to Staton, indicated that he has lifted the suspension as a 'result of an internal investigation in which it has been determined that you did not personally commit any violations or directly engage in actions to improperly recruit players for the basketball program,' " the release stated.

The school district said Staton was suspended in response to anonymous allegations the district received the day of the game regarding potential "recruiting and residency violations." Staton was put on administrative leave during the investigation.

Staton, along with Ferndale High School students Willie Harvey and Joe Baker, were suspended before the Eagles districts playoff game against Detroit Mumford. The Eagles lost that game 67-41, ending their season with a 12-10 record.

Harvey and Baker were transfer students and sat out the first semester of play because they were ineligible.

Athletic Director Shaun Butler and Staton would not comment on the issue at the time of the incident.

The school district release read:  "An enrollment review continues to verify the residency of players associated with the anonymous claims."

Ferndale Patch will report more details as they become available.