Coarch Mike Stagnitta
/ file photo
SYRACUSE -- The Principal at Christian Brothers Academy confirms that he is investigating complaints against the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Coach and allegations of possible drug use by teammates.
The investigation stems from an anonymous letter sent to the CBA Board by "parents of the Boys Varsity Lacrosse Players" calling for "appropriate and swift action to remove Mike Stagnitta from the position of Head Lacrosse Coach..."
The letter, obtained by CNY Central lists four complaints including "vulgar language and deportment toward the players" which left the players feeling "confused and degraded."
The letter also alleges that Stagnitta "appeared to be inebriated at practice on several occasions...players have told the parents that both his behavior and smell of alcohol on his breath is the reason for their suspicions." The letter also claims that the coach left practice to obtain chewing tobacco which is listed as a banned substance at CBA. Plus the parents believe he has a "conflict of interest" by being involved with a local club team.
The letter calls for Stagnitta's immediate termination. It adds: "we have decided to submit this letter anonymously because we fear that if we do not, it could effect how Coach would treat our boys."
The Principal at CBA, Brother Joseph Jozwiak told CNY Central's Jim Kenyon, "I am aware of the contents (of the letter) and I am investigating. Jozwiak says Stagnitta is "still the varsity coach." Jozwiak says he has been investigating the allegations for a "couple of weeks."
Brother Jozwiak says he’s treating this as an “internal matter” and is stressing the anonymous matter of the allegations against coach Stagnitta. He says he is taking the matter seriously.
Contacted by phone, Stagnitta said, "I don't know anything about it." Stagnitta referred questions to Principal Jozwiak.
Kenyon has also been made aware of Facebook comments, allegedly made by CBA Lacrosse players that imply marijuana use by teammates. Principal Jozwiak confirmed, "that is part of what is being investigated." He said however there has been no shake up or action taken against the team.
