Police: Coach accusations are baseless
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Peters police Chief Harry Fruecht -
Peters superintendent Nina Zetty
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Peters police Chief Harry Fruecht Wednesday announced that he has ended an investigation into allegations that student athletes were "forced to play with injuries" and said he will take no further action.
"The police department has been unable to support these allegations with fact," Chief Fruecht said. "So we're done with it."
The department launched its inquiry last Thursday and interviewed at least nine people -- including six students, one parent, the school district's athletic director and an athletic trainer -- following a complaint forwarded by Washington County Children and Youth Services.
That complaint alleged that children were being allowed to play sports with concussions or concussion-like symptoms, according to the chief.
At the heart of the inquiry is the Peters Township School District's high school football program coached by Rich Piccinini.
Last week, Mark Mortland, whose company has a contract with the district to provide athletic trainers, publicly criticized Mr. Piccinini, claiming that he treated assistants and players poorly, interfered with the training staff and was dismissive of injuries.
Mr. Piccinini, 43, of Green Tree, disputed the allegations. His attorney, Robert G. Del Greco Jr., said after the news conference that his client -- who was not interviewed by police -- had been exonerated.
"I think this is a resounding exoneration of Rich Piccinini in all regards," Mr. Del Greco said. "When an investigation doesn't even reach the threshold where the target is invited to give a statement, there's nothing there."
Chief Fruecht refused to explain the scope of his investigation and declined to reveal many specifics.
First Published February 2, 2012 12:00 am
