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The former Macomb High School basketball coach charged with having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student entered a plea in court Monday to a charge of excessive communication by text.

The plea deal saw all of the sexual charges dropped against the long-time coach.

Judge Raymond Cavanaugh sentenced him to 74 days in jail and 30 months of probation.

It was revealed in court that Watson exchanged nearly 6,000 text messages with the student.

Cavanaugh explained that the plea would ensure that the victim wouldn't have to testify in court about the nature of her relationship with Watson.

Although the defendant made no statement in court, Cavanaugh chided Watson for giving “a black eye to his family, his community and to the school.”

Watson was a teacher and boys basketball coach at Macomb High School at the time of his August arrest.

Watson was originally charged with a count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and two counts of official misconduct in connection.

The Macomb School District officially severed ties with Watson on Feb. 20.

The board approved a resignation agreement with Watson, and rescinded its earlier notice of termination. Under the agreement, his resignation took effect in December with the district paying him to cover the time period he was on unpaid administrative leave.