Follette Will Keep Job, Teach Students About Dangers of Drinking

"I made a mistake," Coach Dwayne Follette told the School Committee and a full house at PCIS Monday night.

"I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I did nothing illegal, but I was definitely in poor judgment. The end result is I’m still going to be able to coach kids. I’m going to be able to hopefully help more kids in the future on some of the tough issues in society."

Follette was accused in an anonymous letter to the PNHS principal of attending a party where his players played drinking games, and where he allegedly took part in those games.

School administration considering firing Follette, but instead came to an agreement that would keep the championship-winning coach in his job.

Follette will keep coaching the baseball team, but will give up positions with the football and basketball teams. Additionally, Follette will work with school officials to educate students about the dangers of underage drinking.

According to statistics provided by Superintendent Gary Maestas, 64.7 percent of kids in Plymouth in 2008 indicated that by grade 12 had consumed alcohol within the last 30 days of the survey.

School Committee Chairman Dennis Begley said he hopes that Follette's noteriety in the community will be a bonus in getting the message out about underage drinking.

What do you think? Does the punishment fit the crime? Is underage drinking a major problem in Plymouth? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.