BERLIN — The hiring of private investigators, promises of scholarships and threats against players and families are coming to light as the Connecticut Intercollegiate Athletic Conference investigates possible recruiting violations at Berlin High School.
Monday afternoon The Hartford Courant reported it had obtained information through a Freedom of Information Act request. The information points fingers directly at Berlin High’s football coach, John Capodice, saying he actively recruited players who weren’t Berlin residents.
Capodice also allegedly promised housing for one family, and even a college scholarship for another student, according to the Courant report.
“There’s nothing factual or with findings that backs up any allegations or statements made,” said Viral Keshwala, the attorney representing Capodice. “He’s never been involved with any illegal recruiting of players in terms of residency. His job isn’t to place families when they move here for residency issues, that’s for the board of education. They determine that.”
The CIAC investigation is still on-going, but according to Keshwala, the stakes are high, with some players and team staff being harassed and even threatened from “people in New Britain.”
Berlin is scheduled to play New Britain this Friday in an important football game.
Attorneys for other involved parties did not return FOX 61 calls for comment.