Wright City head football coach James Weir has been suspended from his coaching and teaching duties. Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines says an investigation is in progress, but district officials declined to comment on the details of the situation. “Confidentiality on personnel matters doesn’t allow us to say much,” said Gaines in an email. “What we can say is that he was suspended with pay pending an investigation.” According to Weir, he was asked to leave the school last Wednesday, Oct. 5, and has not been allowed to return to the district since. While neither the school nor Weir will reveal the reasoning behind his suspension, he did rule out several possibilities. “It has nothing to do with improper conduct with a student or teacher,” said Weir. “And it doesn’t have anything to do with football or teaching.” Regarding the turnaround time for the investigation to be completed, Gaines says the school is hoping to resolve the matter quickly. “The process we follow for resolution is laid out in board policy and state statute,” explained Gaines. “The results of the investigation dictate the route, kind of like a flow chart.” Weir says he was caught off guard by the suspension and has suffered considerable emotional stress over the past week. “I don’t know what to do, think or say,” said Weir, who adds words cannot describe his reaction. “If there's a bigger word for shocked, then that was how I felt,” said Weir. “I'm shocked when we fumble the game-winning touchdown on the one-yard line. This was even stronger than shocked.” Weir says he hasn't been given any indication concerning how long the investigation will take. “Hopefully it results in me staying as a teacher and coach in the Wright City district, because that's what I want to do,” said Weir. “I had planned on staying on board for a good long time.” Weir is in his eighth year with the district, having amassed a 36-44 record as head coach. He led the Wildcats to their only three playoff appearances in school history, in 2005, 2009 and 2010. Last season he guided Wright City to its best season ever, eclipsing a new single-season win mark at 9-3. He also teaches world history and personal finance. Assistant coach Matt Brooks served as interim head coach during Friday's 26-6 loss to Cuba and is expected to coach again this Friday when the Wildcats travel to Orchard Farm. Weir says it has been difficult being away from the football program. “That was the first Friday night in 21 years that I wasn't on the sidelines coaching my team,” said Weir. “I've never heard of anyone in my 21 years of coaching and teaching that has been in my situation.”