Fired Wood Coach Intends to Sue Archdiocese, Alleging Slander

By Joseph A. Slobodzian
Philadelphia Inquirer
September 12, 2015

http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20150912_Fired_Archbishop_Wood_coach_intends_to_sue_the_Archdiocese_of_Philadelphia__alleging_slander.html?c=r

Francis "Fran" McGlinn (inset) was fired last year for his presence at an attack on a gay couple. McGlinn was reportedly present during the altercation but was not criminally charged and some media reports said he tried to act as a peacemaker that night.

The former Archbishop Wood High School basketball coach fired last year for his presence at an attack on a gay couple in Center City filed notice Friday that he will sue the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, alleging slander.

The notice of the impending lawsuit was filed in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court by Francis McGlinn against Archbishop Charles J. Chaput; the archdiocese; and its spokesman, Kenneth A. Gavin.

The legal notice to sue does not include the complaint, which would outline the reason for the lawsuit, but it clearly involves statements made by Gavin last September after three graduates of Wood were arrested in the Sept. 11, 2014, attack on two men.

Gavin was quoted in the Philadelphia Daily News confirming McGlinn's termination as an assistant basketball coach at Wood, in Warminster, where the 25-year-old Warrington man once played basketball.

Neither McGlinn nor his attorney, Brian P. McVan, was available for comment Friday. Gavin could not be immediately reached for comment.

The attack happened around 10:45 p.m. at 16th and Chancellor Streets. A group of people accosted Zachary Hesse, 28, and Andrew Haught, 27, then started hurling gay slurs and, finally, punches. Both men were bruised and Haught's jaw was broken.

The District Attorney's Office filed aggravated assault, conspiracy, and related charges against Philip Williams, 25, of Warminster; Kevin Harrigan, 26, of Warrington; and Kathryn Knott, 24, of Southampton. All are awaiting trial and are scheduled for a pretrial hearing Thursday.

McGlinn was reportedly present during the altercation but was not criminally charged. Some reports said he tried to act as a peacemaker.

jslobodzian@phillynews.com or 215-854-2985@joeslobo