CLEVELAND, Ohio — West Geauga football coach Matt Rosati has been placed on administrative leave for a week, missing the Wolverines’ last game against Lutheran West.
His attorney responded Tuesday, denying any wrongdoing by Rosati and adding that no specific allegations have been presented to him about his client.
“Our initial investigation yields that this matter is nothing more than the cliché of a few disgruntled parents and players who are unhappy about playtime and roles on the football team,” Vincent Calo, Esq., wrote in a statement provided Tuesday to cleveland.com. “This has resulted in an appalling attempted character assassination and witch hunt, impugning Mr. Rosati’s stellar reputation and integrity as a teacher, coach and leader in the community.”
The News-Herald first reported Thursday last week that Rosati had been placed on administrative leave and obtained a letter from athletic director Brandon Stewart to the team’s parents.
The letter stated:
Dear West Geauga Football Families,
A serious matter was recently brought to our attention regarding our football program. Last Wednesday, the administration received an allegation of inappropriate conduct. The allegation reported is of a non-sexual nature.
The administration is investigating the matter with players and staff. We will keep you informed as events unfold. In the interim, coach Eric Stendalen will be taking over the team.
Rosati is in his third season back at West Geauga since returning from a successful run at Perry. He won 111 games at Perry from 2007-20 with a Division IV state semifinal run in 2016 and three more regional final appearances. At West Geauga, he won 69 games in his initial run from 1996-2007.
Coming off a four-win season last year, the Wolverines are 2-6 this year and have lost three straight games, including last week to Lutheran West (2-6) without Rosati.
Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on X (@mgoul), Threads (@mgoul) or email ([email protected]).
