Michigan high school coach fired after argument with parents at football game

(CBS) – A Michigan high school assistant coach has been fired after allegedly hitting a parent at a football game last week.

Lake Shore High School confirmed that the coach, later identified as Rob McFarlin, was involved in an altercation with a parent during a game against Warren Woods Tower on Sept. 13. School officials said as the parent left the stands and entered the field to confront a coach on the sidelines, McFarlin approached the parent, resulting in a physical altercation.

A video showed the assistant coach throwing a punch before a swarm of players surrounded the area

“From eyewitness accounts, the coach's actions were not due to safety concerns or fear for student safety – it was frustration with parents. Head coach James Rogers immediately removed the coach from his team and we fully support his decision as there is zero tolerance for physical aggression or violence from any member of our school community,” Janelle Bross, principal of Lake Shore High School, said in a statement.

Warren police said they are investigating the fight and will submit any findings to the Macomb County District Attorney's Office for charges.

Lake Shore officials said the parent has been barred from school grounds and future events.

CBS News Detroit has reached out to McFarlin for comment but has not yet received a response. However, McFarlin has released a statement on social media claiming he acted in self-defense and that the parent was the aggressor. He also claimed the parent had many arguments with coaches leading up to the brawl.