By Nick Mattera
Niagara Gazette
LEWISTON —
A Lewiston-Porter soccer coach who admitted to falsely telling opponents a student on his team suffered from Tourette syndrome is expected to keep his job, but will be unable able to coach athletics in the district again, sources have told Greater Niagara Newspapers.
The decision requires no board action and can be considered an end to the investigation to into former varsity soccer coach Samuel Ricotta.
In August, players and opposing coaches said that Ricotta — in an effort to gain a competitive advantage — knowingly, on a “handful” of occasions, 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. Players said Ricotta would boast and make light of fooling referees and opponents following games in practices.
GNN is withholding the players name and position.
The school board convened in executive session on two separate occasions, including a special board meeting, to discuss potential action in regards to Ricotta. A source said Thursday that Ricotta, a $48,338-a-year middle school science teacher, will retain his teaching position but has agreed that he is unable to coach at Lew-Port again.
When contacted previously by GNN, Ricotta admitted to making the false claims.
“It was my mistake,” Ricotta said last month. “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 resigned from his position prior to the details of the claim becoming public, a decision he said was personal and unrelated to the Tourette claim.
School Superintendent R. Christopher Roser said he cannot comment in regards to the action that was taken but said the district is satisfied with the investigation and appropriate disciplinary action has taken place.
Teacher’s Union President Kevin Jaruszewski would not comment specifically on the issue but did confirm he will “see (Ricotta) on the first day of school.”
