News Summary

The Cedar Grove Board of Education has settled a lawsuit with former head football coach Ed Sadloch and three assistant coaches for $900,000. The lawsuit stems from allegations against the coaching staff that led to their suspensions in 2013. Although they were cleared of wrongdoing, the process raised questions about fairness and due process. After years of appeals, the settlement aims to bring closure for those involved and emphasizes the importance of fair treatment within educational institutions.

Cedar Grove Board of Education Settles Lawsuit with Former Football Coach for $900,000

The Cedar Grove community is buzzing with the recent news that the Cedar Grove Board of Education has settled a lawsuit with former head football coach Ed Sadloch and three of his assistant coaches for a whopping $900,000. This announcement was made during a board meeting held on October 29, 2023, opening up discussions among community members about the implications of the settlement.

Unraveling the Lawsuit

The saga began back in September 2013 when five coaches, including Sadloch, were suspended without warning. The abrupt nature of their suspensions left parents and students alike speculating about the reasons, which seemed to stem from allegations of bullying. One particular incident caught public attention when a player was nicknamed “the Riddler” due to his persistent questioning during practices.

After a brief one-game suspension, Sadloch returned to his coaching duties, while some of his assistant coaches followed suit shortly after. However, two others remained on administrative leave for an entire season, creating a divide among the coaching staff. It soon came to light that a bullying and harassment complaint had been filed against the coaching team by a player and his family just a month prior to the suspensions, raising questions about the fairness of the process.

A Troubling Investigation

Things took a turn when an anti-bullying specialist was brought in to conduct an investigation without informing the coaches. This omission meant that the coaches were unable to defend themselves during what turned out to be a flawed process. Although the investigation ultimately cleared Sadloch and his fellow coaches of any wrongdoing, it wasn’t without its controversies; it was revealed that one assistant coach had used tape to form a question mark on a student’s jersey—intended as a light-hearted jab about the player’s tendency to overanalyze plays.

Turning Points and Appeals

In December 2013, as frustration mounted, the coaches launched an appeal against their suspensions. Fast forward to March 2015, and the administrative judge ruled in their favor, stating that their due process rights had been violated. The judge further ordered that any official record of the case be scrubbed clean, potentially paving the way for the coaches’ return.

However, the fallout wasn’t easy. Although Sadloch had dedicated 25 years to building the football program, his contract wasn’t renewed after the 2015 season, allegedly giving him only five days to clear out his office. Disheartened but undeterred, he went on to retire in 2023, reflecting on a coaching career that spanned an incredible 51 seasons and included 203 wins at Cedar Grove.

The Aftermath

Representing Sadloch and the other coaches throughout the lawsuit was lawyer Steven D. Farsiou, who expressed that the situation could have been resolved long ago. He maintained that neither Sadloch nor his coaching staff engaged in any form of misconduct, framing the whole ordeal as a significant mishandling of what should have been a straightforward issue.

Even after leaving Cedar Grove, Sadloch continued his football journey as an assistant coach at Bloomfield High School. His contributions to high school football earned him recognition as a legend in the sport, solidifying his legacy in the community.

Looking Ahead

As Cedar Grove moves forward from this bizarre chapter in its high school sports history, Superintendent of Schools Michael Fetherman reassured everyone that Sadloch’s departure was not connected to the lawsuit. Instead, it appeared to be a mutual agreement for Sadloch to retire after the 2015 season.

With the lawsuit finally settled and the coaches receiving their compensation, it’s time for Cedar Grove to heal and look forward. The recent settlement emphasizes the importance of fair treatment and communication within academic institutions, and hopefully sets a solid example for the future.

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