We reported on Wednesday that former player David DeFranco had filed suit this past week in Essex County Superior Court claiming numerous counts of such alleged abuse.
That prompted many of his players to file a petition on Friday with the school district urging that he be appointed to the coaching post for 2016, a decision the school board plans to make Monday when it votes on appointing all of the spring coaches.
The petition, with at least 30 players signatures, stated:
We,
the undersigned players of the Columbia High School baseball team,
fully support all of our coaches, including Coach Fischetti, Coach
Becht, Coach Maietta, and
Coach Campos. These coaches have supported us, trained us, and
challenged us. We ask the Columbia High School administration,
including Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ramos, to support our coaches and
recommend the reappointment of Coaches Fischetti and Becht,
and we ask the Board of Education to endorse their reappointment.
The agenda for the meeting states Fischetti would earn $6,566 for the part-time post. He is currently a full-time physical education teacher at the high school.
The school board on Monday also plans to adopt seven new policies related to treatment of athletes by coaches, sportsmanship, and codes of conduct for coaches. See those HERE.
Meanwhile, all of the baseball players received a letter from Columbia Baseball Booster President Bill Krais via email advising them to show up and counter the claims of abuse with their own views.
That letter stated, in part:
I'm sure
that their presentation and attendance on Monday will make us all
very proud. I also understand that the
players may be encouraging their parents to
attend Monday night's meeting to show their support for the baseball program. It would be great if you could join your son
at Monday's meeting - and if you feel
compelled to speak, even better ... Please
understand that if the board does not vote to reappoint our coaches, there is no plan B;
it's unlikely that Mr. Busichio will find suitable coaching replacements before
tryouts begin on March 5.
Second,
you may have read press accounts of a lawsuit that David DeFranco apparently plans
to file (if he hasn't already) against the school board, Ms. Aaron, Mr. Busichio,
Coaches Becht, Campos, Fischetti, and Maietta, as well as the Columbia High
School Baseball Boosters and me. The
coaches categorically deny all allegations made against them. Similarly, both the CHSBB and I deny
allegations made against us.
See the entire letter HERE.
The Star-Ledger, meanwhile, has posted an online poll with its story about the lawsuit that asks if student athletes are too quick to claim bullying and if Fischetti should have been sued. See those results HERE.
Monday's meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at the board offices, 525 Academy St.
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