HS Coach, Teacher on Leave after Abuse Allegations, WTOV, January 3, 2011

H.S. Coach, Teacher on Leave after Abuse Allegations

WTOV
January 3, 2011

http://www.wtov9.com/news/26350573/detail.html

[statement from the diocese]

The Steubenville Catholic Central High School head football coach is on paid leave after a student claimed the man physically abused him.

A spokeswoman for the diocese said the allegations against Gregg M. Bahen have been referred to the Jefferson County prosecutor.

Pat DeFrancis, director of communications for the diocese, said the allegations stem from Bahen's role as a football coach. According to Steubenville Catholic High School's website, Bahen is also a social studies teacher at the high school.

Bahen was placed on paid leave after the Diocese of Steubenville's vicar general determined "that there is a semblance of truth to the allegation."

The suspension is not Bahen's first. In 2005, he was suspended from his position at Catholic Central after allegations of physical contact with a student while handling a dispute between two students.

During the course of Bahen's suspension, students staged a walkout in support of Bahen. After nearly a weeklong investigation, Bahen was reinstated.

Monday, people across the Ohio Valley had different opinions on Bahen's latest suspension. Harold Vandruff, of Smithfield, said, "I think if (Bahen) had just cause to do it, he should have did it. That's the trouble today. They protect them too much -- these students and stuff."

Joe Peterson, of Weirton, said he thinks Bahen should be suspended until the investigation is complete and he believes that any parent would expect the same.

"I would say that any coach should show enough professionalism to be able to have enough restraint to not have physical contact with a player," Peterson said. "Whether a person is a coach on the field or teaches in the classroom, the behavior of either would have a bearing on both positions."

Calls to the prosecutor from NEWS9 were not returned as of Monday afternoon. Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.