Not even three weeks into the season, the new Danvers High boys' basketball coach, John Walsh, has been suspended for two weeks.

"School officials believe that this step is in the best interest of all involved with the basketball program and look forward to Coach Walsh's return in January," reads a statement from Superintendent of Schools Lisa Dana.

According to the statement, the suspension came after a mutual agreement between John Walsh and district school officials, but Dana says she can't disclose the reason behind the action. The announcement was made on Monday to Walsh, the team and parents.

Dana said the matter is considered a personnel issue, which the district has to be careful of discussing publicly due to legal concerns – it's not that she is unwilling to reveal the facts. Dana did say communication was ongoing with parents of team members.

She declined to clarify if the disciplinary action was related to an incident involving the basketball team or was otherwise school-related. Athletic Director John Sullivan declined to comment on the issue to a reporter at the boys' home game Tuesday night against Winthrop.

The suspension was effective Dec. 20 and will last until Jan. 3, spanning three varsity games. In the interim, assistant varsity coach Mark Garrity will assume Walsh's duties.

Walsh came to Danvers earlier this year from Watertown where he spent five years as an assistant coach and was credited with turning around that varsity basketball program.