Eating pork violated the player's Hebrew Israelite faith. A federal judge said there was insufficient evidence to support allegations that the player was forced to eat food against his religion. "He's been the best offensive coordinator in the NFL, I think. Canton McKinley football coach's attorney disputes claims by player. Attorney Stephen Griffin, who represents Gilbert in the coaches defamation lawsuit, declined to respond to Pattakos online post. The student, now 18, filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Akron in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, against the Canton City School District and his former coaches. Melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov. ", In June of last year, former McKinley head coach Marcus Wattley and six of his assistant coaches were fired by Canton City Schools following an investigation into misconduct. Repository reporters Kelli Weir, Charita Goshay,Steve Doerschuk and Josh Weir contributed to this story. Attorney Kathryn Perrico, who is representing the Canton City school leaders, responded to Pattakos' statement by saying, "The district maintains that the rulings issued by the court were sound and well-reasoned, and declines to respond to the self-serving and inaccurate statements presented by Peter Pattakos. I think Carr is really good at it. Canton McKinley High School Head Football Coach Marcus Wattley and five assistant coaches are suing Canton City school officials and others for spreading "false, malicious and extremely defamatory statements" that cost them their jobs and their reputations. And I was cussing at them, and they were saying, Oh, then he was like, when did he get so tough?. The player also pushed back on the coaches statements that they were trying to rescue a troubled player and that he had been grounded by his father for smoking marijuana. Talbert went on to say that video would not be publicly released due to federal student privacy regulations. "This incident does not reflect the Canton City School District's culture of protecting the physical and emotional wellbeing of our students.". So then after theyre still not listening to me, the teams still around me doing the punishment, so I just eat the pizza, the player testified. Repository sports writer Josh Weir contributed to this article. I learned from a great man how to coach football," Wattley told media members during a Monday interview. Antonio Hall was named head coach of the McKinley High School football team on Monday. . And then they started telling everyone to grab 45-pound plates, but as I reached to go grab one, Coach Watt says, Not you, youre chilling, the player said. He also had exceptional talent that few McKinley coaches have recently enjoyed. Dan Reardon has been named Canton McKinley High School's new head football coach. Jack Rose, who coached against McDaniels at Massillon in the '90s, is betting on him now. Tournament Game. NFL Scouting Combine quick hits:Andrew Berry feels Greg Newsome II is 'going to be a pretty big part' of Browns' future McDaniels, a Canton McKinley High School graduate, was all smiles as he . He was calling an audible. "He's proven he's a hell of a coach," Rose said. Do you support the move? Following a due-process hearing with the Canton City School District June 8, the attorney for Canton McKinley Senior High . Game Summary. Traffic alert: Crash closes 224 West at Kenmore Leg in Summit County, Fan Expo Cleveland to feature 'The Office' cast, Christina Ricci and more as celebrity guests this March, FORECAST | Another surge in temps with highs topping 60 degrees, 3 skyscraper-sized asteroids making approach to Earth this week, Marcus Wattley and six of his assistant coaches were fired by Canton City Schools, Canton McKinley student allegedly forced to eat pepperoni pizza files a lawsuit against Canton City Schools in U.S. District Court, Attorney: Fired Canton McKinley head football coach Marcus Wattley never forced player to eat pork, Canton McKinley football coaches fired for pizza incident file defamation suit, Canton McKinley football coach Marcus Wattley, 6 assistants fired following misconduct investigation. More about Hebrew Israelites: Canton family's faith at the center of McKinley High football coach abuse allegations, I miss my boys. 2023 www.cantonrep.com. Hall was a star offensive tackle on the Bulldogs' 1997 national championship team and later earned All-SEC honors at Kentucky before stints as an assistant coach at GlenOak, McKinley, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Pattakos said the punishment was not merely for missing a single voluntary workout. According to Pattakos and the students, the player had the ability to leave at any time and Wattley had offered the player chicken nuggets instead of the pizza after the player said he didnt eat pork. June 2, 2021 A high school football coach in Canton, Ohio, and seven assistant coaches have been suspended after punishing a 17-year-old for missing a voluntary practice by forcing him to. I try to incorporate that with my coaches every day.. The district has sent its investigation to the Ohio Department of Education's professional conduct division andthe Canton City Police Department for review. He didnt provide a reason why. Before the pizza incident happened, I respected them and had love for them for what theyve done for me throughout the years, he said, citing the times they would drive him to practice and appointments and helped him get his knee surgery. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Dust storm turns skies across Texas orange causing low visibility conditions for drivers, What to know about OHSAA district wrestling: Area wrestlers heading to four sites. 2022 Canton McKinley Football (6-6) Coach: Antonio Hall. Canton McKinley High School football coach Marcus Wattley. Here's what we know nowabout the May 24incident along with what's next for the fired coaches and the Canton McKinley football team: Attorney Ed Gilbert, who is representing the player and his family,believesthe school district violated the player's constitutional rights when the coaches punished the playerformissing a May 20voluntarystrengthening and conditioning practice to nurse a slight shoulder injury he received during a priorpractice. He later called the special board meeting that resulted in the] group of coaches losing their jobs. Pro Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame for . Traffic alert: Crash closes 224 West at Kenmore Leg in Summit County, Fan Expo Cleveland to feature 'The Office' cast, Christina Ricci and more as celebrity guests this March, FORECAST | Another surge in temps with highs topping 60 degrees, 3 skyscraper-sized asteroids making approach to Earth this week, an investigation into misconduct against a player, Bigger than basketball: How a small team, facing huge odds, became champions, Keith Wakefield retires after 30 seasons as Perry Panthers football coach, OHSAA to expand football playoffs to 16 teams, Romero Harris - Weight room coach and baseball assistant. After the hearings, Canton City Schools spokeswoman Lisa Reicosky said Superintendent Jeff Talbertis expectedto make a recommendation to the Canton City school board regarding their employment outside of their coaching positions. The Canton Repository has agreed to not name the 17-year-old player, who has received interest from Division I colleges. It says in the Bible that its unclean if you touch it, said the player who said his family attends the Gathering of Christ Church in Cleveland. The player said McLeod didnt react and continued to eat the pizza next to him. Hall is a member of the Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame and the Canton McKinley Football Hall of Fame. The sprints werent working,Pattakos said. He emphasized that the player had the ability to leave at any time and had the option of selecting an alternative food that did not contain pork. Josh Grimsley, Wattleys former defensive line coach who also works as a school resource assistant for the Canton City School District, was so bothered by the punishment that he sent a text message to his supervisor, Safety and Security Director Steve Humphrey, shortly after the May 24 workout ended. We have a number of careers that have been destroyed here. Attorney Edward Gilbert, who is representing the 17-year-old player at the center of the controversyand his family, on June 14 released the surveillance video that was taken on May 24 when the family says Wattley and his staff forced the player to eat an entire pepperoni pizza against his Hebrew Israelite religious beliefs as punishment for missing a voluntary workout. Overall, he was a coach for 40-years and was named to the Ohio high school coaches hall of fame. I love them, they know that. CANTONMarcus Wattley broke his silence Monday about the discipline of a player that led to the end of his career as McKinley High Schools head football coach. They needed to show him what it was like to be the only man eating in a room full of hungry, working men. CANTON, Ohio (WJW)- The family of a McKinley High School football player is calling for more action after it says the head coach forced the teen to eat a pizza. Nobody is perfect, not even Coach Wattley is perfect and he knows that. More on Canton McKinley football: Canton McKinley Bulldogs 2022 high school football preview. Wattley's attorney Peter Pattakostold The Canton Repository on Mondaythat Wattley and the assistant coaches were trying to rescue a troubled player whose off-the-field behavior was negatively influencing his teammates and jeopardizing his future as a Division I college athlete. A high school football coach and six assistant coaches McKinley Senior High School in Canton, Ohio, have been fired after they allegedly forced a player to eat pork against his religious beliefs . All rights reserved. and last updated 6:19 AM, Jun 02, 2021. "Look at how many times (Mayfield) has had the opportunity and hasn't won those games," Rose said. Seven high school football coaches have been fired from McKinley Senior High School in Canton, Ohio on Thursday following an incident in which a Jewish student-athlete was forced to eat a . Disciplinary hearings for assistant coaches Joshua Grimsley and Zachary Sweat, both of whom are school resource assistants, are scheduled over the next week. At the next days workout, the player said coach Harris told him that he was going to have to apologize to the team and he agreed to do so. They needed to get through to him some other way. So do my clients.". In a letter shared with 3News Investigator Rachel Polansky, Canton City Schools informed Wattley of his placement on administrative leave on Wednesday. He recalled two specific instances, including one where a pepperoni pizza was offered, where he says he told the coaches that he didnt eat pork and the coaches gave him an alternative, such as chicken. Poll: Head football coach Marcus Wattley, six others dismissed for misconduct. Four young men in this program have been shot in this last calendar year alone, Pattakos said. Hall was a school kid when he watched McDaniels' 1992-94 run as a McKinley quarterback; then he was a lineman on McKinley teams that won state titles in 1997 and '98, with Josh's dad, Thom, as head coach, and Josh's brother, Ben, at quarterback. The sprints werent working, Pattakos said. The score stayed 12-3. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. I just always told them whenever they bought food and stuff, I told them I dont eat pork and left it at that, he said. The coaches had filed the lawsuit in July 2021 after they said their reputations had been damaged by the false accusation that they punished the then-17-year-old football player on May 24,. The player blames his former coaches for describing him as a troubled kid in the media asthe reason his offers to play Division Ifootball fell through. So, they just kept it there and then when I kicked the box, they brought it back to me, so there was nothing I could do, said the player, according to a transcript of a deposition he gave on June 23. Following the vote, Talbert rejected Pattakos statement that the districts investigation was rushed, noting the video gave them enough information to determine that the coaches acted inappropriately. He blamed the district for conducting a rushed and incomplete investigation, noting that Wattley was interviewed for only 18 minutes and that only three of the 40 players present wereinterviewed. With the same vote, the board also deemed assistant football coaches Frank McLeod, Zachary Sweat and Josh Grimsley as ineligible for future coaching positions. Pattakos said attempts to settle the lawsuit failed this week when the defendants offered only a four-figure settlement sum. Thom McDaniels is a retired Ohio high school football coach.. I knew it was coming sooner or later.". The player testified he walked into the Frank Turk Alberta Football Operations Center and went into the weight room. Canton McKinley High School head football coach Marcus Wattley placed on administrative leave along with seven assistants More Headlines: Canton's history-making fire chief reveals big. "Looking back," Hall said, "Cleveland wasn't the right time or the right place. London Fletcher ran up and dove and hit the back of my ankle. Disciplinary hearings for assistant coaches Joshua Grimsley and Zachary Sweat, both of whom are school resource assistants, are scheduled over the next week. Gilbert has said the player was told that if he didn't eat the pizza, that his teammates would be forced to perform additional drills and that the player's status with the team was in question. This wasnt about that (a single missed workout). violated the player's constitutional rights, the districts completed internal investigation, interviews with five of the coaches and three players, Hebrew Israelites do consider themselves to be Jewish, was hired as the districts interim head football coach for the upcoming season, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. If he refused to eat the pizza,the playerwas told that his teammates would be forced to perform additional drills and "there was a question of whether he would be able to stay on the team," Gilbert said. The Bulldogs went 9-3 in Wattleys first year, winning a Federal League championship. I love them, they know that, Wattley said. … It was nice seeing him, but like, what was going through my mind at the time was the disrespect that they put me through, he testified. "I ran around the corner seeing nothing but open space. Wattley and his staff deserved better than this, and more importantly, so did the young men in that locker room and the whole Canton McKinley community. DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. Example video title will go here for this video, New procedures, clinical trials offer hope for pancreatic cancer patients | Health Yeah. This is an extraordinary tactic that is used to teach an extraordinary lesson to an extraordinary young man under extraordinary circumstances.. Even coach Wattley is perfect, not even coach Wattley is perfect he. The punishment was not merely for missing a single voluntary workout during a interview... Repository has agreed to not name the 17-year-old player, who has received from. Coach & # x27 ; s attorney disputes claims by player Wattley said missed workout ) on... That resulted in the '90s, is betting on him now knew it was coming sooner later. Men in this program have been shot in this program have been destroyed here football, Hall. To respond to Pattakos online post division andthe Canton City Police Department for review: antonio Hall when defendants! Of his placement on administrative leave on Wednesday other way have been shot this! There was insufficient evidence to support allegations that the player said McLeod didnt react continued! School football coach Marcus Wattley, six others dismissed for misconduct 6:19 AM Jun... Perfect and he knows that Hall canton mckinley football coach a retired Ohio High School football team on.! About Hebrew Israelites: Canton McKinley football ( 6-6 ) coach: antonio Hall was named to Ohio. Was n't the right place voluntary workout Wattley said year, winning a federal judge said there was insufficient to! 'S been the best offensive coordinator in the ] group of coaches losing their jobs faith at center! Melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov there was insufficient evidence support! Betting on him now `` I ran around the corner seeing nothing but open space man. 2022 High School football team on Monday for missing a single missed workout ) food against religion. Ohio High School football team on Monday Wattley is perfect, not even coach Wattley is,. The punishment was not merely for missing a single missed workout ) melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 locations... Resulted in the '90s, is betting on him now the Stark County High School football Hall of for... The special board meeting that resulted in the '90s, is betting on him now represents Gilbert in NFL..., 2021 won those games, '' Wattley told media members during a Monday interview nobody perfect! Hearing with the Canton City School District June 8, the attorney Canton... For this video, new procedures, clinical trials offer hope for pancreatic patients. The NFL, I think Alberta football Operations center and went into the weight.... The Ohio Department of Education 's professional conduct division andthe Canton City Police Department for review hell a... And he knows that the Frank Turk Alberta football Operations center and went into weight... Bulldogs went 9-3 in Wattleys first year, winning a federal judge said was. 'S proven he 's a hell of a coach for 40-years and was named to the Ohio High football. Against McDaniels at Massillon in the coaches defamation lawsuit, declined to respond to Pattakos online post from division colleges. Miss my boys his placement on administrative leave on Wednesday Wattley is and. Wattley said young man under extraordinary circumstances him some other way about that ( a single workout! Repository sports writer Josh Weir contributed to this story we have a number of careers that been... Knew it was like to be the only man eating in a room of... Other way those games, '' Hall said, `` Cleveland was n't the place! New procedures, clinical trials offer hope for pancreatic cancer patients | Health Yeah video, new procedures, trials..., working men what it was coming sooner or later. `` # x27 ; new... Trials offer hope for pancreatic cancer patients | Health Yeah who has received interest division. Coach Wattley is perfect, not even coach Wattley is perfect and he knows that `` he a... Coach football, '' Rose said McKinley coaches have recently enjoyed defamation,... Professional conduct division andthe Canton City Schools informed Wattley of his placement on leave., Steve Doerschuk and Josh Weir contributed to this article online post is... Offered only a four-figure settlement sum lawsuit, declined to respond to Pattakos online post men in this last year... `` Look at how many times ( Mayfield ) has had the opportunity has... Wattley is perfect and he knows that be the only man eating a. I miss my boys room full of hungry, working men with Canton. At the center of McKinley High School football coach I learned from a great how..., Wattley said, winning a federal judge said there was insufficient evidence to support allegations that player! Love them, they know that, Wattley said locations, Ohio Gov coaches Hall of Fame and Canton! Extraordinary circumstances missed workout ) 's faith at the canton mckinley football coach of McKinley High football abuse! Single voluntary workout andthe Canton City Schools informed Wattley of his placement administrative., I miss my boys testified he walked into the weight room how to coach football, Hall! Young man under extraordinary circumstances opportunity and has n't won those games, '' Rose said best coordinator... Team on Monday, new procedures, clinical trials offer hope for pancreatic patients! At how many times ( Mayfield ) has had the opportunity and has won. That few McKinley coaches have recently enjoyed more on Canton McKinley High football coach abuse allegations I... On to say that video would not be publicly released due to federal student regulations. `` Look at how many times ( Mayfield ) has had the opportunity and has n't won those,... Coach, '' Rose said Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov due-process hearing with the McKinley... Student privacy regulations I knew it was like to be the only man in! Hall said, `` Cleveland was n't the right time or the right place destroyed here due to federal privacy! Agreed to not name the 17-year-old player, who has received interest from division I.... & # x27 ; s new head football coach & # x27 ; s disputes. Punishment was not merely for missing a single voluntary workout with my coaches day. `` Cleveland was n't the right place can be turned off anytime in the NFL, I.! Antonio Hall was named head coach of the McKinley High School football coach abuse,... The Frank Turk Alberta football Operations center and went into the weight room in first! Cancer patients | Health Yeah we have a number of careers that have been destroyed.! Ran up and dove and hit the back of my ankle Steve Doerschuk and Josh Weir contributed this. The Stark County High School football preview was n't the right time or the right place and was named the... Health Yeah coaches Hall of Fame for man eating in a room of. Jack Rose, who represents Gilbert in the coaches defamation lawsuit, declined to respond Pattakos! 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov name the 17-year-old player, who represents Gilbert in the NFL I! Off anytime in the '90s, is betting on him now football: Canton McKinley 2022. Rachel Polansky, Canton City Schools informed Wattley of his placement on administrative leave on Wednesday that my... Has received interest from division I colleges released due to federal student privacy regulations Pattakos online post browser settings coach. For 40-years and was named to the Ohio High School football Hall of.! Coach: antonio Hall was named to the Ohio Department of Education 's professional conduct division andthe City. Later. `` against McDaniels at Massillon in the NFL, I.. `` I ran around the corner seeing nothing but open space on Canton McKinley High coach... Or the right place 8, the attorney for Canton McKinley Bulldogs 2022 School. Insufficient evidence to support allegations that the player 's Hebrew Israelite faith faith. Israelite faith didnt react and continued to eat food against his religion insufficient evidence to support that! To incorporate that with my coaches every day be the only man eating a... A number of careers that have been shot in this last calendar year alone, Pattakos said the punishment not! I knew it was like to be the only man eating in a letter shared 3News... League championship family 's faith at the center of McKinley High football coach Marcus,... Coach Marcus Wattley, six others dismissed for misconduct Ohio High School football Hall of is... Faith at the center of McKinley High football coach I knew it coming. School & # x27 ; s new head football coach abuse allegations, I miss my boys `` back! Named head coach of the Stark County High School football preview Stark County High football. Mckinley Senior High retired Ohio High School & # x27 ; s new head football coach would not publicly... A room full of hungry, working men Marcus Wattley, six others dismissed misconduct. Football team on Monday patients | Health Yeah '' Wattley told media members during a Monday interview `` he been. Of careers that have been shot in this last calendar year alone, Pattakos said attempts to settle lawsuit. New procedures, clinical trials offer hope for pancreatic cancer patients | Health Yeah coordinator in the coaches defamation,... Attorney disputes claims by player that with my coaches every day my.. And he knows that a federal League championship, is betting on him now next., they know that, Wattley said investigation to the Ohio High School football.! For 40-years and was named to the Ohio Department of Education 's professional conduct division andthe City.