Questions Remain Concerning Firing Of Daniel Hand's Boys Soccer Coach

Clarification: The story has been updated to reflect that the assistant coach let go was a volunteer assistant.

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice said Monday afternoon that Daniel Hand High School boys’ soccer coach Stan Lakowski was abruptly fired last week because his “incredibly offensive and insensitive language” was directed at “a particular group.”

Scarice was adamant that he wasn’t going to confirm which group of people Lakowski’s comments were directed toward.

“I just don’t think that helps the conversation,” the superintendent said. “You have to remember that we are talking about a group of kids who were involved here. That is where my concern lies. That and how we handle this issue in the most constructive way possible going forward.”

Scarice said he also first became aware of the incident “through the rumor mill.”

Scarice said that Latkowsi “used incredibly offensive and insensitive language, including vulgarities and derogatory comments regarding specific identifiable groups in the presence of our student athletes – his team.”

A volunteer assistant coach of the team was also let go for his role in the same incident.

Scarice called the whole incident “very unfortunate,’’ nothing that Latkowski had been with the school district for 17 years, 10 years as head coach and had no prior incidents.

The superintendent described the coach “as very remorseful and saddened” by what has happened, a reaction that Scarice added that he was glad Latkowski had.

Scarice said while the coach received “support from his current team and former players, the district sets the bar for what we determine acceptable behavior and this was clearly not acceptable.”

The schools’ boss added: “What’s important is that we have an opportunity right now, particularly in this world that has become so tumultuous, where people feel that can launch verbal grenades with impunity, to try and set an example of how to handle matters like this.”

Scarice said that in many ways the next step is up to Latkowski.

“He is removed and the next steps will be completely on him. If he is interested in redeeming his stature in the athletic and greater school community in Madison, he could have the opportunity to reconcile,” Scarice said.

“This, by no means, does not excuse the behavior in the slightest, but it does offer an opportunity to repair the damage done.

“We would set out conditions,” Scarice continued. “Again, this is all on him. “These would be conditions by which he must comply, and comply in an authentic way so that he can apologetically mend the damage done.”