Superintendent Announces Discipline for Stratford Football Coach

Stratford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Robinson has handed down a 2-game suspension for Stratford High School football coach T.J. Cavaliere in the wake of several players suffering burns and blisters on their hands after he had them do a drill on the hot artificial turf on Monday, according to NBC Connecticut.

NBC reports six players suffered the hand injuries when Cavaliere had them crawl on the turf for a disciplinary drill in response to behavioral issues during a scrimmage on Friday.

Cavaliere wrote an apology to parents on Wednesday, according to NBC.

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While this week’s soaring temperatures were unbearable enough for Stratford schools to have early dismissal on Tuesday, the temperatures on a turf surface get even hotter.

WTNH News 8 reports that a thermometer they used in a report on Wednesday showed temperatures on the artificial grass approaching 150 degrees.

Cavaliere wrote to parents, via NBC Connecticut, that “Hindsight is 20/20 and I was not aware that the turf could cause blisters on the boys’ hands. I apologize for what happened and have learned a valuable lesson.”

At least one player posted a photo of his injured hand on Twitter but the post has since been deleted.

Read more at NBC Connecticut here.