CCSU soccer coach faces sanctions

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH/AP) — Central Connecticut has decided to sanction its soccer coach, who was caught on videotape trashing stacks of the school's student newspaper.

Coach Shaun Green told police he emptied the newspaper racks at the school's student center on May 3 because he was upset over an article in The Recorder detailing his team's failure to qualify academically for next season's NCAA tournament. Assistant Coach Paul Wright was also involved in the incident.

No charges have been filed, and Green last week apologized to the paper's editor.

In response, the University will take the following actions:
First, Wright will not have his contract renewed when it expires on June 14.

Second, mindful of Green's 27 years of service to the school, the University will sanction him as follows:
1. He will be suspended for 60 days without pay.
2. He will be suspended from coaching 4 games during the 2012 season.
3. He is required to issue a formal written apology to the University community, to the CCSU Athletics Department, and to the student reporters and editors of the Recorder.
4. He must make personal financial restitution to the Recorder for destroying the copies.
5. In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement, a letter of suspension will be placed in his personnel file specifying the consequences for any further behavior demonstrating a lack of fitness in leadership.

Third, the CCSU Athletics Department will be penalized $100,000.

Prior to the imposition of Coach Green's suspension without pay, he will have access to contractual due process rights and procedures under the collective bargaining agreement.

"Make no mistake," said CCSU President Jack Miller, "this matter goes to the heart of our educational mission. I believe our response sends a clear signal that acts which contradict our educational mission will bring serious consequences."

CCSU Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann said, "The behavior displayed by Coach Green is unacceptable on multiple levels. It runs completely counter to our core values and our commitment to exemplary behavior in all aspects of campus life. It does not reflect the kind of leadership we demand of our coaches. We deeply regret his disrespect of the students who work on the Recorder."

Copyright AP Modified, Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.