Update: Newark police are investigating JV basketball players’ violent attack on their coach

Members of the Shabazz High School junior varsity boys basketball team repeatedly punched and kicked their coach in a violent attack in Newark following a game Tuesday night, officials confirmed to NJ Advance Media.

A video of the incident, obtained by NJ Advance Media, shows at least four players knocking the coach to the ground while punching and kicking him repeatedly outside the school. The video of the attack lasts about 25 seconds.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told NJ Advance Media he visited Shabazz Thursday morning to address the situation with district Superintendent Roger León and administrators, coaches and players from the school.

The players involved in the altercation were immediately suspended, officials said.

“We support the superintendent and principal and will do what we can to make the rest of the year successful,” Baraka said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. “The actions of these students will not be tolerated. It does not represent the majority of the school. The school and team have great kids. Many of them go on to college and on to do great things.”

Baraka declined to provide any further details on the incident.

The attack occurred after an away game at Livingston when the team returned to Shabazz High School.

When asked about the incident, Newark Public Schools communications director Nancy Deering said an investigation is underway. She declined to provide any further details.

Newark police did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

Shabazz varsity boys basketball coach DuJuan High also did not return phone messages seeking comment Thursday.

Matthew Stanmyre may be reached at mstanmyre@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattStanmyre. Find NJ.com on Facebook.