Full Breakdown
Mankato Gym Teacher Charged with Assault After Throwing Basketball at Student
5/7/2026, 4:50:48 AM
Incident Overview
On April 10, 2026, Chandler Lawrence Gooding, a 31-year-old physical-education teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School in Mankato, Minnesota, allegedly threw a basketball at a 6th-grade boy’s face during a gym-class game. Police reports state that Gooding was fouled, became upset, swore, pushed another student, threw his keys at a third, and then threw the basketball twice from roughly five feet away. The second throw struck the boy’s nose, causing it to bleed.
Timeline of Events
- April 10, 2026 – Incident occurs in the school gym.
- April 10-11, 2026 – Mankato Police Department responds, interviews several students, and documents Gooding’s behavior.
- Date not specified – Blue Earth County prosecutors file a fifth-degree assault charge against Gooding.
Key Figures
- Chandler Lawrence Gooding – Physical-education teacher, age 31, employed by Prairie Winds Middle School.
- 6th-grade student – Victim of the alleged assault (no name provided).
- Mankato Police Department – Responding law-enforcement agency.
- Blue Earth County prosecutors – Filing authority for the assault charge.
Legal Charges and Potential Penalties
Gooding is charged with fifth-degree assault, a Minnesota misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Sentencing can be elevated if prior convictions or aggravating factors are present.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors’ filing alleges that Gooding threw the basketball at the student’s face twice, with the second throw making contact and causing a nose bleed. Police statements note that Gooding “became extremely upset” during the game, repeatedly swore, pushed a student, and threw his keys at another.
Criticism & Opposition
Two of the students interviewed by police reported that they believed Gooding intentionally caused the victim pain. Several witnesses described Gooding’s conduct as “extremely upset” and highlighted the swearing and physical aggression.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses recounted that after being fouled, Gooding threw the ball from about five feet away, struck the boy’s face, and then threw it again, resulting in a bleeding nose. Additional accounts mention Gooding pushing a student and tossing his keys at a third participant.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official comment from Prairie Winds Middle School or the Mankato school district has been released. Gooding has not provided a public statement, leaving his perspective absent from the record.
Why It Matters
The case underscores the legal accountability of educators for physical conduct toward students and raises concerns about safety protocols during school-sanctioned activities. It may prompt review of staff-student interaction policies within the district.
What’s Next
Gooding is scheduled to appear in court to answer the fifth-degree assault charge. If convicted, he faces potential incarceration, fines, and possible disciplinary action by the school district pending the outcome of the criminal case.
