Lamar Thomas steps down as Boynton Beach coach

Boynton Beach boys' basketball coach Lamar Thomas announced his resignation last week, citing family issues that would have kept him away from the team.

Athletic Director Rick Swain has assumed the primary coaching duties, beginning last Friday with a loss at Fort Pierce Westwood.

"With my pride, I didn't want to step down. But both Coach Swain and I agreed that it was the best thing to do," said Thomas. "I love the kids to death, but I have a life-changing decision to make."

Thomas said an unnamed member of his immediate family was recently diagnosed with a major medical issue, and he is attempting to see if he is a matching donor for a kidney transplant. If Thomas is a donor option, the likelihood is he would be unable to continue coaching at least through this season.

"Health is very important for me and my relative, and that is my focus right now," he said.

Thomas, who played eight seasons in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and who is also a former Miami Hurricane, was in his second season with an overall record of 8-16. Boynton Beach is 0-5.

He said the decision to step down was made easier knowing Swain would be taking over, as Swain was also his high school coach at Buchholz High in Gainesville, and has 426 career coaching victories.

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(sun-sentinel.com)