Los Angeles High School Football Program Faces Lawsuit Over Embezzlement Claims
Los Angeles is currently in the spotlight for a legal battle involving one of its most notable high school football teams, St. John Bosco. The team, renowned for its impressive track record, including four state championships and three mythical national championships, is facing a lawsuit filed by three former employees. The lawsuit alleges serious misconduct, including accusations of embezzlement to fund tuition for top recruits.
The complaint names the school, its 15-year head coach Jason Negro, and the overseeing organization, the Salesian Society, as defendants. The former employees—Brian Wickstrom, the ex-president; Melanie Marcaurel, the CFO; and Derek Barraza, the VP of technology—claim their terminations in 2024 were intended to protect the football program and coach Negro from scrutiny. The lawsuit presents a serious challenge for the school and its reputation.
In response to the allegations, Coach Negro issued a statement, asserting that an independent investigation has already been carried out and all pertinent facts will be revealed in court. He confirmed the lawsuit is now in the hands of the school’s legal team and directed any inquiries to them.
This lawsuit comes in the wake of previous troubles faced by high-profile schools in Southern California, including Mater Dei, which was accused of a hazing culture. The earlier suit was dismissed after a likely out-of-court settlement. Similar patterns of allegations and lawsuits have emerged across various states, often highlighting issues related to top-tier recruiting and compliance with regulations.
As football continues to dominate the high school sports landscape, pressures mount for schools to maintain winning records. Justin Alumbaugh, the head coach at De La Salle, described the current state as the most pressurized time he has ever experienced. The competitive atmosphere, influenced by NIL deals and recruitment challenges, has predisposed players and parents to seek every advantage available.
In a world where stakes are increasingly high, the lawsuit against St. John Bosco serves as a reminder of the lengths some may go to succeed in the world of competitive high school football. As the court proceedings progress, the outcome could have significant implications, not just for the parties involved but for the future landscape of high school athletics.
