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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EWU basketball coach alleges harassment

Eastern Washington University basketball coach Jim Hayford has requested a restraining order against a man who he said has been making threatening phone calls since June 2013. A temporary restraining order against Larry A. Pierce was granted earlier this month. A restraining order valid for one year was granted during a court hearing Friday morning. In his petition for the restraining order, Hayford wrote that Pierce has left repeated messages threatening violence against him and his family members and appeared at his home at least once. “One message threatened violence to me at my first home basketball game of the EWU season,” Hayford wrote. In an interview Friday afternoon Hayford said he was grateful that the judge granted the extended restraining order. “The behavior was unacceptable,” he said. “This person couldn’t keep doing what they were doing to me.” According to court documents, Pierce blames Hayford for the break-up of his marriage. However, Pierce’s ex-wife stated in court documents that Pierce physically assaulted her and she was granted a restraining order against him. A charge of fourth-degree assault against Pierce was dismissed after he paid a fine and completed community service.