Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a full statement from Marian High School, which was sent out less than 10 minutes after this story initially published.
Robb Berger admits he made a mistake.
The now-former Mishawaka Marian boys basketball head coach spoke to the South Bend Tribune on Thursday, March 26 about the school’s decision to fire him Wednesday after a combined 19 years with the program, including the past 16 in a row (2010-26).
Berger was suspended for Marian’s IHSAA Class 3A regional championship game on March 14 due to repeating an IHSAA violation of allowing a non-rostered player or coach to attend one of his team’s practices. The Knights would ultimately lose that game to East Chicago Central, ending their season.
A few days later, Mishawaka Police Department announced it would be investigating a potential battery charge that stemmed from an altercation at a Marian boys basketball practice on March 10. The results of that investigation had not been disclosed as of March 26.
Berger made sure to clarify what happened in the incident. He said it occurred between a player, the player’s dad (who is an assistant coach on the team) and the outside person. It happened halfway through the practice, with Berger saying he did not see what led to the altercation nor the altercation itself.
Eventually, the assistant coach and outside person went into the hallway to talk about what occurred. When they returned, Berger asked his assistant coach if everything was good, and he said yes. Practice then resumed as scheduled.
“I made a mistake. I apologize,” Berger said. “I never should’ve had a non-rostered player come into practice that Tuesday before the regional. I know the rule; I made a bad mistake, and I think I was punished for it. I had to sit out of a regional game — a lot of coaches, they’ve never won a sectional, so that’s a big punishment when you don’t get to coach in a regional game.”
Berger was the only one publicly punished for the incident, which is something he takes offense to.
“My whole thing is ― there’s just not a shared accountability in this situation,” Berger said. “The athletic director was also in the gym. He saw this non-rostered player participating in practice, and the only comment he made to me was, ‘Don’t let the media find out.’”
The Tribune initially reached out to Marian athletics for response, but they said they could not speak on the record about the incident. However, the school then released a statement around 4 p.m. Thursday.
“We are aware of comments made regarding the departure of Robb Berger from Marian’s men’s basketball program,” the statement read. “Insofar as the situation involves an existing Marian student, we are unable to provide comment as to the alleged incident that occurred on March 10 or the events surrounding or leading up to that incident in order to protect the identity and confidentiality of our students. Given that there is an ongoing law enforcement investigation, Marian is committed to working and cooperating fully with local law enforcement.
“Per school policy, Marian cannot and will not otherwise comment on the facts and circumstances surrounding an ongoing investigation. We are of course thankful for Robb Berger’s years of service to Marian. While we cannot comment on the specifics of the school’s separation with Robb, Marian consistently strives to conduct its various high school athletic programs in a manner that fulfills our Mission, promotes fair play, is in compliance with IHSAA rules, and that always ensures that a safe environment is maintained for students who choose to participate in any of our athletic programs.”
The day after the regional loss, the Tribune published an article with comments from Marian athletic director Steve Ravotto talking about the status of Berger’s job. Ravotto said at the time he hoped there would be a decision made by the Marian school administration the following week.
“I didn’t like that,” Berger said. “That felt like I was being thrown under the bus. Why can’t you just say, ‘Robb is our coach’?
“I just don’t understand how wanting me to resign, me refusing and then firing me helps anything. Why didn’t we work together on this, especially when we’re both culpable in this?”
While Berger could not reveal the name of the non-rostered person involved, he strongly insinuated it was someone with deep ties to the program. He also noted that this person had not shown up for an official practice in a couple of years.
“There’s kind a culture at Marian where this non-rostered player has his own key, has his own code to get in,” Berger said. “He’s kind of a big deal around there. He’s in the gym constantly. It’s kind of an interesting situation ― where do you stand on asking him to leave the facility?
“Should I have? Of course I should’ve. It shouldn’t have gotten to this point.”
Berger said he still wants to coach. He has compiled a 436-217 career record across 28 seasons, including 336-118 in the 19 combined years at Marian (1996-99, 2010-26). His greatest achievements came with the Knights, winning five sectionals, two regionals and a Class 3A semi-state title in 2022.
“I don’t want this to all be doom and gloom ― these 16 years at Marian have been unbelievable,” Berger said. “These have been great years. … It’s been the best 16 years of my professional career. I’m not going to let the last few weeks here taint what we were able to accomplish.”
Austin Hough is a sports editor within the Center for Community Journalism at USA Today Co., overseeing high school sports and Notre Dame athletics coverage for five Indiana newspapers. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @AustinRHough. Hough can be emailed at ahough@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Robb Berger speaks about firing at Marian basketball. ‘I made a mistake’
Reporting by Austin Hough, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
