Killed on Christmas, Slain Coach’s Crusade Continues

A year after the tragic Christmas Day fatal shooting of beloved Pasadena youth coach Victor McClinton, the organization he founded continues to work with children and has announced a March, 2014 fundraiser in McClinton’s memory.

Victor McClinton, a civilian Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employee and neighborhood athletics coach, was killed outside his home near Newport Avenue and Wyoming Street in the morning of December 25, 2012.

McClinton had started an organization called Brotherhood Community Youth Sports League two decades ago which aimed to provide children with quality youth sports programs.

Sports League’s board member Pamela Simmons said the organization still “feels the pain” of losing McClinton, but it will continue the late coach’s charity efforts on behalf of children, 89.3 KPCC reported.

“Paying it forward, moving it on,” Simmons told KPCC. “(McClinton) had always been a big believer in that.”

A Victor McClinton 5K run has been for March to honor the coach’s charity work and to raise funds to continue the Sports League.

The Sports League efforts focus on building children’s self esteem and confidence through the art of team work and sportsmanship.

“Our philosophy,” the League’s website says, “is everyone plays, everyone wins.”

The league is for boys and girls age 3 to 17. Players are encouraged to participate, regardless of their athletic ability. Everyone is guaranteed a chance to play and all players play a minimum of half the game. Less experienced players are encouraged through positive reinforcement.

McClinton, a law enforcement technician, was walking a fellow coach to his car about 11:00 a.m. last Christmas when gunfire erupted.

Suspects Larry Darnell Bishop Jr. and Jerron Donald Harris, two alleged gang members, were later arrested and charged with one count each of attempted murder. The murder charge includes the special circumstance allegations of shooting from a motor vehicle and murder to further the activities of a criminal street gang.

McClinton, 49, is survived by his wife and two young adult sons.