Oklahoma Coach Charged With Injuring Children

A junior high school baseball coach accused of throwing baseballs at players whose playing he didn't like has been charged with seven counts of injury to a minor child.

The Durant Democrat reports the charges were filed Tuesday against 42-year-old Roy Martin West of Durant, a coach at Silo Junior High School. The school district has placed West on administrative leave.

An affidavit of probable cause accuses West of striking the children in the back, legs, arms or lower torso with a baseball as punishment for inadequate performance.

West appeared in Bryan County District Court Tuesday. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and is due back in court on Oct. 17.

His attorney, Joe White Jr. of Oklahoma City, says West is not guilty of the charges.