Isler case in federal court Wednesday

The attorney for J.D. Isler says a federal court hearing Wednesday in Albuquerque could determine his client’s future as coach of the Clovis High School boys basketball team.

Isler’s attorney, Warren Frost, said he will argue for the continuation of a restraining order allowing Isler to continue coaching.

The hearing is 1 p.m. in U.S. District Court.

In other developments Tuesday, Ruidoso attorney Timothy Rose filed to intervene in the Isler case on behalf of Logan Turnbow, 17, and Landyn Snipes, 18, both Clovis seniors on the varsity basketball team.

Rose is arguing the suspension and or termination of Isler would have devastating impact on his clients.

Attorneys representing Clovis Municipal Schools and the New Mexico Activities Association had not returned telephone calls for comment Tuesday afternoon.

Isler is accused of recruiting players. He was suspended by the NMAA in mid-December.

The school later notified Isler he would be fired Jan. 13.

On Dec. 18, District Judge Teddy Hartley issued a temporary restraining order suspending all actions taken by Clovis schools and the NMAA.

The order reinstated Isler as coach of the Wildcat varsity boys team.

Hartley said the temporary order would remain in force until a second hearing could be held to determine if the schools and NMAA were within their rights.

NMAA attorneys filed Jan. 6 to move the case to federal court.

Frost initially said he planned to fight the change but no says it is no longer an issue.

“The school district and NMAA want it in federal court and that’s fine with us,” he said.