Leading off today: Allegations of steroid use and improper socializing with students caused Monsignor Farrell High to dismiss JV basketball coach Dan Melious, the deposed coach alleged Thursday.
The dispute got a full airing when Melious and attorney Jonathan Behrins held a press conference. Though a school spokesman said it made no allegations and the dismissal was the result of the coach's inability to get along with a colleague, Behrins said the conflict stems from what he referred to as "the movie incident."
According to Behrins, Melious was accused at a March 12 meeting by Principal Msgr. John Paddack and varsity coach Bob Besignano of attending a movie with a boy from the school three days earlier. Melious alleges Besignano also accused him of playing video games and going to dinner with the boy and also of using steroids.
"Although the Farrell brass denied that anything scandalous was meant by the accusation . . . the implication is an offensive one, and one that would effectively end Dan's career as a coach, if not a teacher, as well," Behrins said in his statement.
The school denies such statements were made. Melious has not filed a lawsuit but said he plans to do so if he is not reinstated. Farrell's administration denied making any accusations against Melious in an exclusive interview yesterday afternoon with The Advance.
All-state softball: The players of the year come from five deifferent sections on the 2007 all-state girls softball team selected by an affiliate organization of the New York State Sportswriters Association.
The New York State Sportswriters And Coaches Organization For Girls Sports picks, recognized by the
