A Blackman High School teacher accused of hitting a student on Oct. 3 has returned to class after a 15-day suspension. Ronnie Bray was charged with simple assault.  

Rutherford County Sheriff’s detective D.J. Jackson says 38-year old Bray was charged after the mother of a student obtained the arrest warrant. The arrest warrant stated the coach became angry with her daughter during a P.E. class. Detective Jackson says the girl stated Bray grabbed her from behind, pushed her to the ground and straddled her and then hit her in the left arm area. The incident allegedly occurred while the 15-year old student was playing volleyball in P.E.

Rutherford County Schools spokesman James Evans said the system suspended Bray Oct. 3, the same day the mother reported the incident. He was suspended without pay. Bray is the wrestling coach at Blackman and it would appear that he will still have to appear in court for a hearing this November. 

Meanwhile, The child has since been granted permission to change schools.