Former FMHS hoops coach hired at Evangelical Christian

FORT MYERS, Fla. Former Fort Myers High School boys basketball coach Scott Guttery was hired Wednesday to the same position at Evangelical Christian School.

Guttery resigned Tuesday from Fort Myers High amid controversy over a hard foul he delivered on one of his players during a pickup game in May. The player suffered a concussion as a result of the shove, according to his attorney, Sawyer Smith.

Guttery will officially hold the title of Director of Sports Management and Basketball Operations starting July 31 at Evangelical, a private school on 8237 Beacon Blvd. in south Fort Myers.

“Scott’s passion for impacting the lives of kids, his obvious leadership qualities, and his desire to play a significant role in our school’s growth aligns perfectly with our ongoing strategy for ECS in our community,” said Jeff Blair, Evangelical’s director of development.

Guttery called the transition “bittersweet.”

“In the midst of that hard trial and time, I got this opportunity to do something special at a new place where I feel valued and wanted,” Guttery said, “and I’m really excited about it.”

Smith sent a letter of intent to take legal action to the Lee County school district, though he wouldn’t say whether he still intends to sue.

“This was predictable,” Smith said. “When a bully doesn’t get his way, he takes his ball and goes home. Literally.”

Smith would have to wait until Nov. 11 — six months after sending the letter — to officially take legal action, under Florida state law.

“My client is very much suffering the residual consequences of being severely concussed, and when the six-month clock to sue the school district and Mr. Guttery starts to get to zero, we’ll see what play we run,” Smith said. “After all, my client’s medical bills continue to mount.”

Guttery was placed on administrative leave for 49 days and investigated after the hard foul, which was caught on camera. The school district was willing to keep Guttery, but with a written reprimand in his permanent file.

“While we are disappointed Mr. Guttery feels it necessary to vacate his position, the facts support our decision,” the district said in a statement. “The bottom line is that it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.”

Guttery criticized the district for its decision regarding the reprimand, as well as the length of time it took for them to come to it.

“I was very disappointed with the way the school district handled my entire situation,” he said. “I never felt really supported by the school system.”

Courtney Butts, a Fort Myers High teacher and friend of Guttery’s, called the district’s handling of the situation “a complete outrage.”

“This district spends so much money EVERY year on recruitment campaigns and fairs when the answer for the dwindling number is simple; SUPPORT YOUR EMPLOYEES,” Butts wrote in a text message.