Westerville South coach Rocky Pentello was arrested this week after a student claimed the coach shoved him to the ground and slapped him across the face.
According to police reports, a caller on an anonymous tipline at the Westerville school district said the 51-year-old grabbed a player by the neck and slapped him across the face.
The report says the boy claimed Pentello asked, “are you (expletive) talking while I’m talking?” and “are you (expletive) serious?” during a post-practice huddle. Pentello then allegedly grabbed the boy by the throat and pushed him to the ground and slapped him.
Pentello faces assault and endangering children charges.
Assistant Coach Tim Bates will lead the team until the matter is resolved. Pentello will also forego his teaching duties as a social studies teacher during the leave.
The school says Pentello’s will be placed on an indefinite leave until the investigation is completed.
