By Nick Mattera
Niagara Gazette
LEWISTON —
A varsity soccer coach at Lewiston-Porter attempted to gain a competitive advantage last year when he told opposing coaches and referees a player on his team suffered from the neuropsychiatric disease Tourette syndrome.
Players who participated on the team in the fall confirmed Coach Samuel Ricotta knowingly lied to referees and opponents regarding the medical condition of a player, which they said allowed him to play more aggressively, as well as use vulgar language without being penalized.
The players outlined a game against Niagara Falls High School as a time the tactics were used, but said it also happened on a handful of other occasions.
Ricotta, when reached by the Niagara Gazette on Monday, called the situation a misunderstanding but confirmed the allegations as true.
“It was my mistake,” Ricotta said. “I don’t know why we have to be down and dirty like this. I don’t know why this has to be a major issue right now. This is all a big misunderstanding. I just wish people would stay out of my private life.”
Ricotta said he was not looking to gain an advantage and didn’t expect the matter to “be construed to be bad.” He believe there are a few individuals who are looking to tarnish his name, which is why the information is coming out now.
Ricotta, a $48,338-a year middle school science teacher with the district, filed his resignation as a coach with Lew-Port late last week. A decision he said was personal.
“My resignation has nothing to do with that,” he said. “I have personal things I have to take care of.”
School District Superintendent R. Christopher Roser could not be reached for comment on Monday.
The mother of the student who Ricotta claimed suffered from the disease was surprised a coach would use a teenager in such a way, but said her son “most certainly does not suffer” from Tourette syndrome. The Gazette is withholding the student’s name.
“I don’t like the fact that (Ricotta) used my son in this lie,” the concerned parent said. “How can an adult use an innocent person for something like this? My son had nothing to do with it.”
Patrick Donovan, a former player of Ricotta’s, said the coach would boast about the situation in team meetings after wins or before practices, making light of fooling referees. He said it was a known fact the player in question did not suffer from the disease but it was an excuse for his inappropriate behavior.
School District Athletic Director Scott Townsend said the issue is a personnel matter and was unable to comment, however, he did confirm Ricotta’s resignation and said it was due to a legitimate personal issue he is dealing with.
Mark Butler of the Western New York Referees Association said he had a complaint regarding this issue filed with his office pertaining to one game, but it could not be verified.
“The one game that was in question, I spoke to both officials and they said the issue was not brought to their attention,” Butler said. “I can’t speak to all the games.”
Butler did outline the potential penalty for the actions of the player.
He said a yellow card — or warning — would be issued for the incidental use of vulgar or profane language. After a yellow card, a red card — which results in an ejection and possible suspension — would be issued for the use of words or actions to incite or degrade an opponent or an official. He also said a red card could also be issued for the use of insulting or offensive or abusive language directed at an opponent, official, spectator or coach.
Butler said he is in the process of contacting referees who worked Lew-Port games last year in an effort to get to the bottom of the claim.
Ricotta was reappointed to the position of soccer coach at a recent board meeting and sources have indicated Rick Sweeney will assume Ricotta’s vacated position.
