SUPPORTERS OF ACCUSED CHS BASEBALL COACH URGING HIS RE-HIRING

Supporters of Columbia High School baseball coach Joe Fischetti, who is the subject of a lawsuit claiming harassment and bullying of a former player, are rallying to his defense with a petition signed by most of the team and plans to speak out on his behalf at the school board meeting on Monday.

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.