DUNCANVILLE, Texas — Duncanville girls basketball coach LaJeanna Howard is under investigation after she allegedly violated her one-year UIL suspension, the school district announced on Tuesday.
Along with Howard, the varsity girls basketball coaching staff was also placed on paid administrative leave.
Duncanville ISD said Tuesday night's game against Skyline High School has been canceled as a result of the investigation.
In October 2022, Howard was issued a one-year suspension from the UIL due to recruiting and "school practice and game restrictions" violations. She was also given three years of probation and a reprimand from the UIL.
The UIL also banned the varsity girls team from this season's playoffs.
Duncanville ISD did not elaborate on what led to this most recent investigation during her suspension.
In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith said: "I recently became aware of allegations regarding the Duncanville High School Girls’ Basketball coaches. I and the District’s administration take these allegations seriously. When we learned about the allegations, the District immediately began an investigation. That investigation is currently ongoing. The District is taking swift and decisive steps to address the allegations. If the result of the investigation reveals any wrongdoing by the Girls’ basketball coaches, Duncanville ISD will immediately self-report those issues to the UIL and institute strong corrective action."
During her suspension, Howard was reassigned to an unknown position within the district.
The Duncanville boys team also faced its own penalties from the UIL. Head coach David Peavy was suspended for a year and the team's 2022 state championship was stripped.
The UIL in 2022 ruled the boys team used an ineligible player.
The boys team opted out of this season's playoffs, as well.
