Duxbury school officials say they have cut ties with high school football coach Dave Maimaron.
In a letter to parents, officials confirmed players on the high school football team used “highly offensive” language during play calling during a 35-0 win against Plymouth North on March 12th. The language was not directed at opponents or an individual.
The Boston Globe reports that audibles included the terms, “rabbi,” “dreidel,” and “Auschwitz.”
School officials sent a letter to parents saying the use of the language is “horrifying and disappointing.” Just Training Solutions, LLC was hired to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.
The school contacted the Anti-Defamation League regarding the seriousness, and the school’s long and short-term response.
The Dragons were 2-0 and were set to play Hingham on Friday night. In consultation with Hingham officials, that game has been canceled.
The JV and freshman football games set for Saturday and Monday have been cancelled. School officials say a decision on future games will be made at a later date.
Maimaron, a special education teacher, was hired as coach in 2005, and led the Duxbury to five Super Bowl wins and a 159-43 record.
In a statement, Maimaron previously said “I want to extend my apology for the insensitive, crass and inappropriate language used in the game on March 12th. Using the term was careless, unnecessary and most importantly hurtful on its face—inexcusable. The staff and the team have been transparent and cooperative with administration during this time, and we have taken responsibility for the incident.”
WATD reached out to Maimaron seeking comment on the allegations.
The full statement from the Duxbury Public Schools today:
March 24, 2021
Dear Duxbury Community,
We want to provide a follow-up to our message on Monday regarding the Duxbury Football program. First, we want to be perfectly clear that we recognize how serious this is, and it is getting our undivided attention. We also recognize that this is an emotionally-charged issue for our community, and many outside of our community. The outrage is real, warranted, and we hear it. The fact that members of our school community used such offensive language, including anti-Semitic language, is horrifying and disappointing. We are collaborating with the Anti-Defamation League regarding the seriousness of the allegations, and on our short-term and long-term response.
Before we share more information with you, please find below two very important announcements:
- First, as of today, Duxbury has severed ties with Dave Maimaron as Head Football Coach.
- Second, in collaboration with the Hingham administration, a decision has been made to cancel the varsity football game scheduled for Friday night, as well as the JV and Freshman games scheduled for Saturday and Monday. A decision about future games and the fate of the football season will be made at a later date.
Independent Investigation
We know from many conversations, emails, and online posts that many people want action now, and we appreciate that sentiment. However, we are still in the middle of an active investigation and it is important that we get accurate information and facts in this case. To this end, the District has hired Edward R. Mitnick of Just Training Solutions, LLC to assist us in conducting a full investigation of all of the allegations made against the program in the most expeditious manner possible. Mr. Mitnick is an experienced attorney and investigator, and has provided services to employers throughout the United States for over thirty years.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Although this most recent issue has brought many concerns to light, please know that the Duxbury Public Schools has, in recent years, shone a spotlight on the need to promote antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our public schools. In short, we had already identified this as a top priority before this week. Among other things, it is a key component of our Strategic Plan and the basis of the work of our Anti-racism Task Force. Furthermore, we have established partnerships and regular communication with a number of community groups who share our commitment to this work, such as Duxbury For All, the Interfaith Council, and Duxbury Rotary, just to name a few. We will rely on these relationships as we work to ensure that members of the school community understand the importance of inclusion and respect.
Sincerely,
John Antonucci, Superintendent
Danielle Klingaman, Assistant Superintendent
Patrick Dillon, Chief Human Resources Officer
James Donovan, High School Principal
