ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Royal Oak High School’s varsity football coach has been placed on administrative leave following accusations of inappropriate language, including swear words, when addressing players.
Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick sent out a note to Royal Oak High School families at 5 p.m. Friday explaining allegations, an ongoing investigation, and that the coach was put on administrative leave.
Thursday, district Athletic Director Brian Gordon sent out a similar letter to varsity player families.
In Friday’s message from Fitzpatrick, the Superintendent says the varsity head coach is accused of using inappropriate and potentially demeaning language while speaking to Royal Oak football players. Several members of the team corroborated those allegations.
She then explains an internal investigation was launched immediately. That coach, who is also a teacher in the district, is on administrative leave from the district pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We commend our student athletes for bringing this situation to our attention as we all have an interest in promoting the highest standards of conduct in our athletic programs. I would like our parents to know this unfortunate incident in no way reflects our core values as a school district,” said Fitzpatrick.
The junior varsity football head coach is the interim varsity head coach.