Burbank High School Replaces Coach's Memorial With TV, Sparking Outrage

Providence High School in Burbank has removed a memorial honoring former coach and athletic director Paul Sutton, who died of cancer at age 41, and replaced it with a flat-screen television.

The memorial, which included Sutton's photo and a plaque, had been in the gym foyer since his death in 1999. Sutton coached at the private preparatory school for 14 seasons, holding multiple roles including athletic director, basketball coach, track coach, and cross country coach. The school's head, Scott McLarty, reportedly informed Sutton's widow that the memorial was "no longer relevant for today's students."

The decision has been met with significant backlash. Sports columnist Eric Sondheimer called the move "embarrassing and shameful" on social media. Other online users expressed dismay, questioning how legacies and history are treated at the school.

Sutton's tenure at Providence High School was marked by significant contributions. He led the basketball team to three Liberty League titles and a CIF playoff appearance in his final season, despite battling colon cancer. A close friend described Sutton as coaching "for all the right reasons—he did it for the kids."

Originally, there was a promise to name the school's new gym facility after Sutton, but this did not materialize. The photo and plaque memorial was installed as a compromise. The school stated the new television will be used for digital updates and announcements, asserting it "better serves" the school community.

Providence High School is a private institution with annual tuition of $31,800, plus additional fees.