Panio did not deny that DiCarlo used profanity but said Eastchester's sideline was no different than any other. Cline was 10-1 and 7-4 in two seasons with the Hurricanes. The superintendent, who came to the district July 1 on an interim basis and was later appointed permanently by the school board, told DiCarlo the investigation stemmed primarily from incidents that occurred last basketball season, which ended in February. On Monday, it was announced that head coach Robert OBrien had resigned his position. Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting. In an exclusive statement to Breitbart News,General Counsel forFirst LibertyInstitute Mike Berry said the case has massive implications for religious liberty in the United States. The Canton City Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to not renew the coaching contracts of Canton McKinley head football coach Marcus Wattley, two of his assistants and an assistant baseball coach, The Canton Repository reported. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Don't knowingly lie about anyone Web50-9 (L) Citrus @ River Ridge On 10/21, the Citrus varsity football team lost their away conference game against River Ridge (New Port Richey, FL) by a score of 50-9. We are grateful the Supreme Court has agreed to review Coach Kennedys case. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos also joined other conservatives in filing a brief in support of Kennedy. I found it odd in your brief that you just kept saying the coach wasnt on the field during the game when he was praying, she said. declares her, Alleged fraud could mean curtain call for theater, Womans car totaled in her driveway by Amazon driver, Missing Largo lawyers husband talks about love &. He can be reached by e-mail atjthomson@lohud.com, on Twitter at@lohudinsider, and on Instagram at@lohudinsider. In 2018, First Liberty filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the Ninth Circuits decision. ,Crystal River,FL, 8021 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429, 1250 N Vantage Point DR, Crystal River, FL 34429, 631 N. Citrus Ave., Crystal River, FL 34428, Advanced Family Hearing Aid Center - Crystal River, 2027 N Donovan Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428, Highly Favored Antiques, Collectibles & More, 1801 NW Highway 19 , Crystal River, FL 34428, 203 South Seminole Avenue, Inverness, FL 34452, 5691 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446, 628 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429, 639 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, 1010 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34429, 162 N Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34453, 6735 S Lewdingar Drive, Homosassa, FL 34446, The Salvation Army Center for Worship & Services, 943 US Hwy 41, Unit D, Inverness, FL 34450, 2484 W Dunnellon Road, Dunnellon, FL 34433, 2477 N Citrus Hills Boulevard, Hernando, FL 34442, 611 NE 5th Terrace, Crystal River, FL 34428, 255 E Highland Boulevard, Inverness, FL 34452, 5296 W Homosassa Trail, Lecanto, FL 34461, Advanced Family Hearing Aid Center - Dunnellon, 20757 W Pennsylvania Avenue, Dunnellon, FL 34431, 5164 S. Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450, 659 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428, 1624 North Meadowcrest Boulevard , Crystal River, FL 34429, 1000 NE 5th Street, Crystal River, FL 34429, 7655 W Gulf To Lake Highway, Crystal River, FL 34429, 4000 S Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450, 3638 S Placid Avenue, Inverness, FL 34452, 3791 N Lecanto Highway , Beverly Hills, FL 34465, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, 7449 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429, 5430 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34428, 3835 S Pittsburgh Avenue, Homosassa, FL 34448. "When someone says 'Auschwitz,' I don't think these young people understand how harmful and hurtful that is to people that are Jewish.". Sometimes you don't really know why but it does. In this business this happens. "There's more to it than wins and losses.". So why cant we continue to win with Coach Robert OBrien?". On October 23, the district denied his request. Mainly clear skies. WSW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Also in the section of the page called "Reasons for signing," the first two comments that appear are from two prominent Citrus football players, both in support of OBrien. In response, Kennedy sought representation from First Liberty Institute, alegal organization exclusively dedicated to defending religious liberty, and asked the school to make a religious accommodation according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Be Nice. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Tuesday that he has requested the Department of Education to open an investigation into the legitimacy of Bishop Sycamore. She stressed that no teachers work is limited strictly to class time. Share with Us. A Jewish high school football player in Ohio was allegedly forced by his coach to eat pork a violation of his religious beliefs as a form of punishment. The team is expected to reach the postseason for the first time since 2013. He also said no members of the football coaching staff were interviewed during the district's investigation. 600 W Highland Blvd, Inverness, FL 34452. The teen died Tuesday, after collapsing during football practice. "He treats them like men. After previously coaching at Crystal River for three seasons, Varnadore was hired at Citrus two years ago. Higher wind gusts possible. Late Wednesday afternoon, the Citrus School District informed 8 On Your Side that students from Citrus High School are planning a vigil for later in the week. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Attending McMurrays funeral the night before their preseason contest, the Canes got off to an 0-4 start to the regular season. OBrien did not respond to a text seeking comment. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Franklin confirmed with SBLive Sports Florida that he has stepped down from his position as head coach and Updated: Sep 29, 2021 / 04:45 PM EDT. However, when the word got out that coach OBrien was no longer apart of the Citrus High School football program, the question that no one was able to find the answer to was, why?, "Ultimately, Citrus County hasnt seen this good of a program in years, and once our team finally starts to succeed and climb up the rankings, it is all stripped away for a reason that is unknown to most. The student, identified as 16-year-old Antonio Elijah Hicks, was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on Tuesday, Sept. 28. A judge also ruled Friday that Johnson and another defendant will go to trial for defaulting on a $100,000 loan issued by First Merchants Bank in April 2018. The district also used the First Amendment to justify its argument, claiming that Kennedys prayers in view of the public and students following a school sanctioned event violate the Establishment Clause because his actions could be perceived as a district endorsement of religion. Thats not coercion that counts under the Establishment Clause.. His statements were supported by five football players who attended the school board meeting in support of the eight coaches. Pattakos blamed an assistant coach, whom he did not name, for inflaming the situation by reporting an exaggerated version to administrators and the players family. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Low 66F. Varsity was set to play Leesburg High School on Friday night. "Nobody's getting an answer and I'm frustrated," Citrus County School Board member Karen Johnson said. We've received your submission. | Kennedy continued to take a knee and pray after games, which Leavall said would warrant disciplinary action if Kennedy continued to engage in demonstrative religious activity. Kennedy was subsequently placed on paid administrative leave on October 28. "Not one thing. OBrien turned in his resignation Monday after helping lead the Hurricanes to a 9-1 regular season and an almost certain first playoff berth since 2013. His tenure could be summed up in slow starts and marquee victories. Contact Chronicle sports reporter Chris Bernhardt at 352-563-5660, chris.bernhardt@chronicleonline.com or on twitter @cpbernhardtjr. But Im proud of the kids. "I think he did a good job as far as the coaching end of it. ,Crystal River,FL, 8021 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429, 1250 N Vantage Point DR, Crystal River, FL 34429, 631 N. Citrus Ave., Crystal River, FL 34428, Advanced Family Hearing Aid Center - Crystal River, 2027 N Donovan Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428, Highly Favored Antiques, Collectibles & More, 1801 NW Highway 19 , Crystal River, FL 34428, 203 South Seminole Avenue, Inverness, FL 34452, 5691 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446, 628 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429, 639 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, 1010 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34429, 162 N Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34453, 6735 S Lewdingar Drive, Homosassa, FL 34446, The Salvation Army Center for Worship & Services, 943 US Hwy 41, Unit D, Inverness, FL 34450, 2484 W Dunnellon Road, Dunnellon, FL 34433, 2477 N Citrus Hills Boulevard, Hernando, FL 34442, 611 NE 5th Terrace, Crystal River, FL 34428, 255 E Highland Boulevard, Inverness, FL 34452, 5296 W Homosassa Trail, Lecanto, FL 34461, Advanced Family Hearing Aid Center - Dunnellon, 20757 W Pennsylvania Avenue, Dunnellon, FL 34431, 5164 S. Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450, 659 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River, FL 34428, 1624 North Meadowcrest Boulevard , Crystal River, FL 34429, 1000 NE 5th Street, Crystal River, FL 34429, 7655 W Gulf To Lake Highway, Crystal River, FL 34429, 4000 S Florida Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450, 3638 S Placid Avenue, Inverness, FL 34452, 3791 N Lecanto Highway , Beverly Hills, FL 34465, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, 7449 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429, 5430 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34428, 3835 S Pittsburgh Avenue, Homosassa, FL 34448. He said the coach's win-loss record had no bearing on the dismissal. Webcitrus high school information 600 West Highland Blvd., Inverness, FL 34452 - (352) 726-2241 - Guidance office fax: [352] 249-2101 office Fax: (352) 249-2102 Principal: Mark "He's done a good job," Schultz said when reached Thursday. After the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) granted Kennedy a right-to-sue letter following charges of religious discrimination, First Liberty filed a lawsuit against the district. Several members of the Citrus High community - students, faculty members and boosters - contacted Wednesday afternoon said that they were reluctant to comment on Cline's dismissal for fear of possible repercussions. As of Wednesday evening, the petition had generated 1,635 signatures and its stated goal had been raised from 1,500 to 2,500. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. But in September of 2015, the district Superintendent,Aaron Leavell,sent a letter to Kennedy ordering him to stop praying, after a school administrators compliment of Kennedys leadership drew attention to his post-game prayers. The affluent coastal community about 30 miles south of Boston has nearly 16,000 residents, according to the Census Bureau. OBrien, in his first year at the helm, had guided the team to an 8-1 mark but was absent for last Fridays regular season ending win at Crystal River. In a move that shocked colleagues and members of the community, Eastchester varsity football and boys basketball coach Fred DiCarlo was fired from both positions Wednesday. That tells me from an investigation that they didn't have any interest in finding out the truth.". Phone 352-726-2241 | Fax 352-249 I think he did a great job for us. Don't Threaten. His winning record and reputation as a fair disciplinarian with high moral standards has many people wondering why he was fired. Anything that was spoken of coach OBrien was uplifting to his name and reputation. Use the 'Report' link on The unedited text of the petition reads, "For the first time in years the CHS Hurricanes have had a spectacular football season all thanks to coach Robert OBrian. "He gave me the opportunity to turn in a resignation," said Cline, 40. Keep it Clean. So, OK, thats what youre telling us, fine, thats how we take it in. Kennedy asserted that the school district violated the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The post says the Citrus High School football player collapsed during practice and was taken to Citrus Memorial Hospital where he later died. or anything. The teens attorney, Ed Gilbert, said the player skipped a voluntary workout four days earlier before the incident while nursing a sore shoulder. "I'm stunned," said Panio, who played both sports for DiCarlo and has been a coach on the football staff since he was 19. The City of Citrus Heights reported this month that a record-breaking number of permits were issued for secondary dwelling units last year. There was a problem saving your notification. A high school football coach and six assistant coaches have been fired after they allegedly forced a player to eat pork against his religious beliefs. 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According to Outkick, Johnson faces an active bench warrant since July 2 out of Delaware, Ohio, for failure to appear in a domestic violence case that later was dropped to a criminal mischief charge. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Obviously he wants to continue to do that (in the ministry) and I think hell be successful. He believes in those relationships, Bishop said. A suburban high school football coach in Massachusetts was fired after an opponent reported his team for using the name of a Nazi concentration camp in its 1624 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. CITRUS COUNTY, fla A Citrus County high school student is dead after collapsing during football practice, according to the school district. Not only did the CHS football spectators love him, but the players all spoke so highly of him. "You try and find a basketball coach or football coach who teaches 16 and 17-year-old kids and hasn't cursed. They're saying that he's the best they've ever had, not just in coaching but in curriculum and in working with the office staff because he's athletic coordinator.". In response, the school has "severed ties" with head coach Dave Maimaron and canceled this Friday's game against Hingham, said the statement, signed by four members of the administration, including district Superintendent John Antonucci. Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe, via Getty Images. "I havent read it, so I dont have a comment," Bishop said. Several high school football coaches in Ohio were ousted after a 17-year-old said he was forced to eat pork in violation of his religious beliefs. Higher wind gusts possible. He would continuously come into classes and check on the football players and make sure their studies were up, they had adequate attendance, and make sure they were being all around good students. Be Proactive. Since 2008, Kennedy, a Marine Corps veteran, made a commitment to God to give thanks after every game win or lose for the opportunity to be a football coach for his players, Kennedys representation,First Liberty Institute, wrote. Those accolades resulted in $3,500 being awarded to the football program, and Varnadore was able to attend Super Bowl LII in Minnesota. Petition calls for Citrus coach to be rehired, 1624 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. When it becomes necessary to terminate a coach, Final verdict. There had been crowds that come from all over just to watch the Hurricanes play. However, Kavanaugh said there were all kinds of non-religious activities a coach might take part in or organize that could produce similar coercion and he appeared to suggest that there is no way to control such implicit pressure. Schultz said his youngest son was "crushed" to learn DiCarlo had been let go Thursday afternoon. It was unclear who will replace DiCarlo as coach. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. accounts, the history behind an article. I want to continue to do that. OBrien turned in his resignation Monday after The arguments over Kennedys case started with a sequence of hypothetical situations posed by Justice Sonia Sotomayor that involved where, when and how educators can legally pray while on the job. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I was told coach benched a player who has family with influence over the board of Ed, and he was basically being strong armed into letting the kid play or being terminated. racist or sexually-oriented language. Your talks with students may not include religious expression, including prayer. Hesaid: Six years away from the football field has been far too long. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Like many coaches, hes leaving for another job. or anything. "We know from many conversations, emails, and online posts that many people want action now, and we appreciate that sentiment. The past two years as the Head Coach at Citrus High School has been an amazing experience with a wonderful community, great kids, and an administration that fully supports the building of a program, Varnadore said in a lengthy note posted on his Twitter account. Thanks for contacting us. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. 21-418 in the Supreme Court of the United States. DeSantis and King George III have in common | Column, Pasco motorcyclist: I couldnt live with myself knowing what I had done, Palm Harbor delicatessen collects hundreds of bikes for underprivileged kids, Florida adds 6,659 coronavirus cases, 98 deaths Monday, Florida adds 7,363 coronavirus cases, 59 deaths Sunday. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. Why cant the school fire a coach who decides to put a Nazi swastika on their arm and go to the middle of the field to pray? I am asking that all Leesburg high school football fans say a prayer for the citrus high school football team, student body and the family of the player that died tonight after collapsing at practice. This may be a case about facts and not really much about law, Breyer said. "Coach OBrien was a very inspirational coach with high hopes for the Citrus High School football program. New College of Florida drama continues as trustees deny tenure for 5 faculty, You know what, guns actually do kill people | Letters, 20 foster boys allege abuse by Clearwater couple over decades, lawsuit states, Heres what Gov. A majority of the justices seemed to signal Monday that the districts worries on that front were overstated. He will remain on staff as a teacher and continue his duties as athletic director, at Staten's request, until a replacement is found or he finds a coaching position elsewhere. Ive coached in the college ranks, in high school, Ive been with district champions and regional champs. The New England Patriots stopped the slide of former LSU standout Kayshon Boutte in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. I value him as a person, but I just thought right now he needed to step down, he needed to go, Peterson told USA Today. "I've had quite a few calls yesterday and today about it," School Board member David Langer said. It found the coach had been negative toward athletes, berated them and used profanity in their presence. Ive been to the mountaintop. They said the player chose to take off the pepperoni and eat it. More:Football: Eastchester sets season in the right direction with a 'program game', More:Football: In dominant finish, Somers begins to realize its promise. Citrus High School varsity football coach McKinley Franklin is overcome with emotion Friday evening, Oct. 1, during a memorial service for 16-year-old football player Antonio Hicks who collapsed during practice Tuesday, Sept. 28, and later died at Citrus Memorial Hospital. "On behalf of the staff and players of the Duxbury High School football team, I want to extend my apology for the insensitive, crass and inappropriate language used in the game on March 12th," he said. Wake up to the day's most important news. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Don't Threaten. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism School officials and people involved with the school reacted to the dismissal with confusion and disbelief Wednesday. This case has massive implications for religious liberty for millions of Americans, and we are hopeful the Court will correct the injustice that occurred here, Berry said. Ohio high school football coaches fired after player says he was forced to eat pork Welcome to ESPN India Edition Notice of Right to Opt Out of Sale/Sharing Some states "I've got a lot of respect for him as a coach," Bramlett said. "This is really a pretty nice town and our hope is to make this a more diverse and inclusive place," said Bruce Rutter of Duxbury For All. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Bishop Sycamore was crushed by national powerhouse IMG Academy, 58-0, on Sunday just two days after suffering a 19-7 loss to Sto-Rox High School of Pennsylvania. CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A student-athlete in Citrus County has died after collapsing during football practice, the Lets say he says the Our Father with arms outstretched and it starts causing a lot of havoc in the stands Band members were being rushed, the head coach feared for his life? Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked, alluding to one of the school districts arguments. He told colleagues he had not been contacted further until superintendent Ronald Valenti met with him Wednesday and informed him of the district's decision. "I don't know how a coach would allow this to happen. There was a problem saving your notification. Part of HuffPost News. Bishop Sycamore told us they had a number of Division I prospects on their roster, and to be frank, a lot of that, we could not verify. that is degrading to another person. The Citrus county community came together for a vigil Friday to honor 16-year-old Antonio Hicks. The Leesburg coaching staff and players are praying for all of those affected, said Mark Oates, Leesburg Head Football Coach. What to know about bank failures, Womans Medicare cut off after gov. Mainly clear skies. Updated: 04/25/2022 09:42 PM EDT. Will DeSantis have to resign to run for president? Be Truthful. The Supreme Court late last week agreed to hear oral arguments in a religious liberty case regarding a high school football coach who was fired for praying on the field after games. WSW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. In ordering Kennedy to limit his prayers and later suspending him, the school district cited concerns about its obligation under the Constitution to avoid the appearance of endorsement of religion. As a result, one could assume that citizens want to have a good football team to watch on Friday nights. CRYSTAL RIVER - Ron Cline was fired Wednesday as Citrus High School head football coach, and many people in the community, including several Citrus County School Unfortunately for principals and athletic directors, the task of firing an individual comes with the job description. | Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via AP, Pool. Pattakos and the students said the player could have left at any time, adding that Wattley offered the teen chicken nuggets instead of the pizza after the player said he did not eat pork. Talbert disputed the claims about the investigation, saying the video gave them enough information to determine that the coaches acted inappropriately. "The outrage is real, warranted, and we hear it," Duxbury High School's administration said in an emailed statement. Struggling to understand Gods plan in this tragedy caused me to do a lot of prayer and reflection about what it is God wants me to do. "These players and the community as a whole are very active and will react to that same statement. Could rocket fuel soon be produced in Polk County? We'd love to hear eyewitness Josh Thomson is the Sports Editor for The Journal News, Poughkeepsie Journal and Middletown Times Herald-Record. Sometimes when you're on the outside, you don't really know what goes on on the inside.". racist or sexually-oriented language. You have permission to edit this article. 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The student, identified Citrus High Principal Laura Mason also posted a message Tuesday night on the schools Facebook page. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week. He called the language "careless, unnecessary and most importantly hurtful on its face - inexcusable.". Contact Chronicle sports reporter Chris Bernhardt at 352-563-5660, chris.bernhardt@chronicleonline.com or on twitter @cpbernhardtjr. Sotomayor took it a step further to make a point about when a school district may have the authority to step in. "The fact that members of our school community used such offensive language, including anti-Semitic language, is horrifying and disappointing.". WebHurricanes Football Coaches. "They want to know why coach Cline is not going to be at Citrus High School anymore. Be Nice. U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor appears before an audience on April 5, 2022, at Washington University in St. Louis. However, under the new point system implemented by the FHSAA that season, Citrus failed to make the playoffs. The case is Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, No. They had big wins over Crystal River and defending district champion Nature Coast, finishing tied for first place in District 5A-7. The schools director, Andre Peterson, cited pending fraud charges against Johnson and the teams injury tracking procedures as part of a lot of things that resulted in the firing. What I offered these young people was through concern and commitment and teaching good work habits. Bishop Sycamore, the unknown Ohio-based online school that talked its way into a nationally televised football drubbing Sunday on ESPN, has fired head coach Roy Johnson. Higher wind gusts possible.. The Supreme Court appears poised to rule in favor of a high school football coach suspended over his on-field prayers following games. OBrien said on Monday that he decided to step down after continued threats from administration that he would be fired. 3 min read. However, the attorney arguing on behalf of the school district Richard Katskee of Americans United for Separation of Church and State said the school system had other reasons for acting in connection with Kennedys prayers, including concerns about students feeling coerced and even about safety after spectators rushed the field after one game, with some students being knocked to the ground. Ive done this for 15 years. The district has also hired Edward Mitnick of Just Training Solutions LLC to assist in the investigation. The 15 years Ive done that have prepared me for this.. Nate came in two years ago, he really built a great relationship with our athletes. WebCitrus High head football coach Nate Varnadore announced his resignation on Monday, ending his two-year tenure with the program. Most Facebook users can now claim settlement money. The post says the Citrus High School football player collapsed during practice and was taken to Citrus Memorial Hospital where he later died. They must remain secular in nature, so as to a void alienation of any team member. Overall, Im happy with the season, Varnadore said. "In a statement that I prepared for him, I told him, 'I'm not doing this out of disrespect. Then out of nowhere he gets let go. You're not going to find one. FaithPoliticsCivil Rights Act of 1964First AmendmentFirst Liberty InstituteFree Exercise Clausefree speechjoe kennedyOn the Hillreligious libertySupreme CourtTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Former Vice President Mike Pence, dozens of state legislators and GOP lawmakers in Congress have urged the high court to overturn the 9th Circuits ruling in favor of the school district, saying it imperils the most basic forms of individual religious expression. Twenty-four conservative state attorneys general also filed a brief backing the coach.