Sports

North Farmington Alum Alleges Religious Intimidation by Fired OU Coach

A former North Farmington High basketball player went public Wednesday with allegations that a fired Oakland University coach pressured her to convert to Christianity.

The Oakland Press reports that Jenna Bachrouche, who practices Islam, came forward after former women's basketball coach Beckie Francis was fired June 12. The former Raider said Francis also ridiculed her over weight gain after an injury.

“I don’t want anyone else to go through that,” Bachrouche told the newspaper. “You don’t cross Coach Beckie or you will get harassed."

The newspaper report indicated that it is "unclear" whether Bachrouche's allegations had anything to do with Francis' firing, which the university said in a statement was "for cause" following an investigation of alleged improper conduct. Bachrouche, who has since transferred to Western Michigan University, played for OU during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons. An injury sidelined her the first year.

Francis and university officials "declined to comment" for the newspaper story. 

Jenna is the sister of Katya Bachrouche, who competed for Lebanon in the 2012 Summer Olympics


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