Sounds like they were at the end of their rope and had to do something to rein in an out-of-control situation. Sometimes that means just closing up shop, cleaning house, and starting over.
Things have sure changed since I played high school sports (going on 33 years since my last track meet). One thing you DID NOT DO was mouth off to the coaches. You did what you were told or you were off the team. You kept your nose clean and your grades up. When you got to play you considered that a privilege and gave it your best, win or lose. The only "abuse" (it was of a respectful kind) we ever gave our coach was after winning the league championship and going undefeated in track we dragged him into the shower for a clothes-on drenching. Of course, everyone else got the same treatment, so it was expected.