Jared Bell
Sports Writer
The safety of La Salle-Peru High School varsity football players has come into question after the release of confidential information to L-P’s varsity football opponents.
In two separate emergency meetings held on school grounds Friday afternoon, L-P’s administration informed parents and players that an unknown source sent packets of information to L-P’s varsity football opponents. Those packets detailed offensive and defensive schemes, the changes in the Cavaliers’ coaching staff and — most troubling to the school — a scouting report on 22 Cavalier players listed by name and position, including opinion information about their mental and physical strengths and weaknesses as well as confidential medical information, such as specifics on past injuries and concussions.
“The biggest thing right now is the safety of our kids,” L-P superintendent Steve Wrobleski said.
The school was first informed about the packets at last Friday’s season-opening football game at Rock Island Alleman. L-P received the packet from Alleman via U.S. mail on Thursday.
After reviewing its contents on Thursday, an investigation was organized Friday morning that involved the school and the district’s lawyer.
Wrobleski said local law enforcement also will be involved in the investigation.
“The piece that was most troubling and quite honestly sickening to us is there was a page that listed 22 athletes by name and position,” Wrobleski said.
”It said, ‘This athlete has a knee injury so if he’s in there, take him out and they won’t score,’ so this has now crossed a line because it involves our kids by name,” Wrobleski added. “As an administration, we’ve just begun the investigation because we just received this in the last 24 hours, but our first step was to pull our football family together to make sure they were aware of what’s happening and to begin to move forward with our investigation.”
A recorded message by Wrobleski was sent to the primary contact number of every parent whose son is on the varsity football team at approximately 1-1:30 p.m. to notify them of the emergency meetings that were held at 2:15 p.m. in the school’s auditorium as well as one at 4:45 p.m. at Howard Fellows Stadium.
Wrobleski, athletic director D’Wayne Bates, head football coach Joe Sassano and principal Deb Nelson attended the meetings.
Prior to the 2:15 p.m. meeting, parents and players of the 22 athletes named had a separate meeting, Sassano said.
The parents of all 22 players were asked to sign waivers that acknowledged L-P had informed them of the incident and the potential risks, Bates said.
Each mother and/or father also was given the right to prevent his or her child from playing football at L-P.
“Being in football as long as I have as player in high school, college and pro, this is arguably the most unsafe part of football, where there is kind of a ‘hit list’ or a ‘bounty,’” said Bates, who played five-plus seasons in the NFL. “People may joke to themselves this is the (New Orleans) Saints right now, but in comparison it’s not that far off because this put kids in danger and gives out personal information.
“You never want to hurt kids by putting out personal information.”
During the Cavaliers’ 35-0 loss last week, Alleman informed Bates that its head football coach Dave DeJaegher had received the packet from an unknown source.
Once DeJaegher and his staff realized the nature of its content, the Alleman coaching staff sealed the packet and gave it to Alleman athletic director Steve Smithers.
Upon the completion of Friday’s game, Bates informed Sassano of the packet, and the sixth-year L-P football coach spent nearly five minutes discussing the situation with DeJaegher at midfield after the postgame handshake.
Upon learning of the packets, Bates attempted to contact the remaining eight teams on L-P’s varsity football schedule and, as of Friday, five of the eight remaining opponents said they received the same packet while the other three schools have yet to reply.
Wrobleski declined to list the five schools that replied.
After Friday’s game, Alleman mailed the packet to L-P, which it received on Thursday.
Upon review, L-P discovered the descriptive list of the 22 players, which according to Sassano included “a couple of sentences for each kid.”
“It was pretty in-depth,” he said.
Players were first informed of the packet at Friday’s emergency meetings, Sassano said.
Wrobleski declined to discuss whether the releasing of information was related to or was retaliation for the non-rehires of two L-P varsity head coaches last spring, both of whom were on the L-P football coaching staff last season but were not brought back this fall.
“I don’t want to comment on that. I think it’s too early right now to make any assumptions about that,” Wrobleski said. “But we are going let the investigation take care of that as we move forward.”
Wrobleski said there is no timetable for the investigation. Sassano says he does not think opposing coaches would view the packet and instruct their players to target past injuries of specific L-P players.
”I believe there’s not a coach on our schedule — from the guys I’ve gotten to know — that is going to try to physically hurt somebody,” Sassano said. “Whether they took the information that was given to them on the other stuff, I don’t know. That’s not important. But in terms of ethical parts of coaching and wanting to physically hurt a kid, I would hope that the majority of them in this profession are for kids and kids’ safety first.”
Sassano hoped his players wouldn’t be fearful or worried of possible injuries in future games., which included tonight's home opener against United Township High School of East Moline.
“I don’t want to use the word, ‘Worry,’” Sassano said. “All I can do is pray for them and pray for the strength of the kids mentally and physically.”
From LaSalle paper, article this week...
Kevin Chlum
Sports Editor
La Salle-Peru teacher Jake Burke has been placed on paid administrative leave in connection with the ongoing investigation into the leak of information about the La Salle-Peru football team, superintendent Steve Wrobleski said Tuesday night.
Burke was dismissed as L-P’s head boys track and field coach and assistant football coach at the L-P board meeting May 16.
Burke along with L-P head baseball coach and assistant football coach Bill Booker were dismissed by a 6-1 vote despite three days worth of protests and more than 70 supporters at the board meeting.
After the meeting, Wrobleski released a statement saying the district was “moving in a different direction in our coaching philosophy and it’s our belief that these changes will allow us to move forward.”
Burke had been a volunteer assistant football coach at Ottawa Township High School. However, OTHS superintendent Matt Winchester this morning said Burke stopped coming to practices a couple of days ago after OTHS officials informed him his “volunteer services were no longer needed.”
“Right now, the investigation is still ongoing. As we are able to share more information as far as what the next steps are, we will share that,” Wrobleski said.
La Salle County state’s attorney Brian Towne declined comment except to say that his office was involved in a pending criminal investigation.
L-P officials first learned of the leak during the Cavaliers’ season opener Aug. 24 against Rock Island Alleman at Augustana College, which L-P lost 35-0.
Alleman officials mailed the information packet back to L-P officials.
Wrobleski, principal Deb Nelson, athletic director D’Wayne Bates and head football coach Joe Sassano held emergency meetings Friday afternoon to inform parents that secret information about the L-P football team — including plays, strategies and health history of some players — had been mailed to the team’s opponents. The Cavaliers are 1-1 following a 41-21 victory Friday over United Township. The Cavs play at Rochelle this Friday.
ChatGPT
Title: LP Puts Fired Coach on Teaching Leave: A Controversial Move Examined
Introduction:
In the world of education and sports, decisions made by school districts can have far-reaching consequences, both on and off the field. One such decision that recently stirred controversy is the case of a school district (let's call it LP School District) that put a fired coach on teaching leave. This move has sparked debates on ethics, accountability, and the intersection of professional conduct with personal life. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of this case, explore the reasons behind such a decision, and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The LP School District Controversy: A Snapshot
The LP School District found itself in the midst of a storm when it decided to place a coach on teaching leave after firing them from their coaching position. The coach in question had been let go due to allegations of inappropriate conduct and ethical violations in their role as a coach.
FAQs: Unraveling the LP School District Controversy
Why was the coach fired in the first place?
The coach was fired primarily due to allegations of inappropriate conduct and ethical violations in their capacity as a coach. The specific nature of these allegations may vary from case to case but typically involves actions or behaviors that are deemed inconsistent with the school district's code of conduct and professional standards.
What is teaching leave, and how does it differ from termination?
Teaching leave is a temporary administrative action that removes a teacher from their teaching duties while an investigation is ongoing. It is not equivalent to termination, which is the permanent separation of an employee from their position. In the case of LP School District, the coach was placed on teaching leave to allow for an investigation into the allegations against them.
Why did the school district decide to place the coach on teaching leave instead of terminating them altogether?
The decision to place the coach on teaching leave rather than terminating them may be influenced by several factors, including:
Due Process: Placing the coach on teaching leave allows for a thorough investigation to take place, ensuring that any allegations are substantiated before taking irreversible action.
Contractual Obligations: Employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements may have provisions that dictate the process for suspending or terminating a teacher. Following these procedures is essential to avoid legal challenges.
Potential Legal Consequences: Terminating an employee without proper cause can open the school district to legal challenges and potential lawsuits. By placing the coach on leave pending investigation, the district may mitigate legal risks.
Is teaching leave a paid or unpaid status?
The status of teaching leave, whether paid or unpaid, can vary depending on the policies and agreements in place within the specific school district. Some districts may opt to continue paying the teacher during the leave, while others may suspend their pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Ethical Dilemma: Balancing Accountability and Due Process
The LP School District's decision to place the fired coach on teaching leave underscores the complex ethical dilemmas that school districts often face when dealing with allegations of misconduct:
Accountability vs. Due Process:
On one hand, there is a need for accountability when allegations of misconduct surface, especially in a school environment where the well-being and safety of students are paramount. On the other hand, there is a fundamental principle of due process that requires thorough investigation and substantiation of allegations before taking punitive action.
Protecting Students vs. Protecting Employees:
School districts must strike a delicate balance between protecting the rights and safety of students and ensuring that employees are treated fairly and in accordance with the law. This balance can be challenging to achieve, as actions taken to protect one group may inadvertently impact the other.
Legal Considerations:
School districts must navigate a complex legal landscape, including employment laws, labor agreements, and contractual obligations. Failure to adhere to these legal frameworks can result in legal challenges and potential liabilities for the district.
The Impact on the School Community:
The decision to place a fired coach on teaching leave can have ripple effects throughout the school community:
Student and Parent Concerns:
The allegations against the coach and the subsequent action taken can raise concerns among students and parents. Ensuring open and transparent communication about the situation is essential to address these concerns.
Staff Morale:
The decision may also impact the morale of other staff members within the school district. It is crucial for the district to maintain an atmosphere of professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.
Public Perception:
The actions of the school district are often subject to public scrutiny. How the district handles such situations can shape public perception and influence community trust.
Conclusion: Navigating the Complex Terrain of Ethical Decisions
The case of LP School District placing a fired coach on teaching leave highlights the intricate balance that educational institutions must strike between accountability and due process, student safety and employee rights, and legal obligations and ethical standards. While it may be met with controversy and scrutiny, it serves as a reminder of the complexity of such decisions and the importance of thorough investigations and adherence to legal processes.
Ultimately, the resolution of this situation will depend on the outcome of the investigation into the allegations against the coach. It is a testament to the commitment of school districts to uphold ethical standards, protect their students, and ensure that all employees are afforded due process in accordance with the law. The LP School District controversy underscores the enduring challenge of navigating the complex terrain of ethical decisions in the field of education.
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