Steubenville Coach Contract Renewed Amid Controversy

The head Steubenville football coach’s contract had been renewed amid controversy. Reno Saccoccia has received an two-year contract extension, despite accusations that he covered for football players, accused and convicted of sexually assaulting a female student.

Steubenville football players Trent Mays and Ma’lik Richmond were convicted in March for the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, who had reportedly passed out after drinking. The boys were accused of taking pictures and bragging to friends as they sexually assaulted the girl.

As reported by CNN, Coach Saccoccia’s involvement came into question during the trial as he was accused of knowing the incident occurred, and failing to report it. A text message, revealed during the trial, indicated that the accused boys assumed that their coach would “take care of” everything for them.

School officials point out that the contact extension does not include his coaching duties, and only includes his administrative work. His current contract as head coach will not expire for another two years.

Despite Saccoccia’s adamant denial of any knowledge about the assault, a petition requesting his termination has been created at Change.org. The petition calls for the immediate removal of Saccoccia from his employment with Steubenville High School.

The petition accuses the coach of responding inappropriately to the incident, by accusing the girl of fabricating the story. He is further accused of threatening a reporter during the trial, stating “You’re going to get yours. And if you don’t get yours, somebody close to you will.”

The petition asserts that, by making a threat, Saccoccia has violated the bylaws set forth by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and therefore is subject to removal.

It is further stated that the coach admitted that he was aware of the incident and failed to report it to authorities.

The petition to remove Coach Saccoccia has received over 12,000 signatures to date. Despite the controversy, the Steubenville coach’s contract has been renewed for two more years.