Youngstown PD investigating reported assault against Mooney coach following football game

On Friday night, the Youngstown Police Department was called to Cardinal Mooney High School in regards to an assault against Head Football Coach Carl Pelini, according to a police report.

The police report stated police were called to the school when a parent of a football player “barged through the office door and sucker punched” Pelini.

According to the report, the football player and Pelini had exchanged words during the Friday night football game.

The report stated following the game, the father of the player confronted Pelini inside the coaching office located in the school locker room.

Officers observed noticeable bruising on Pelini’s cheekbone and blood on his chin, according to the police report.

The report states that Pelini believed he suffered possible broken ribs due to the incident.

On Tuesday, the Youngstown Police Department released a statement saying it was aware of, and is actively investigating, the report of the assault at Cardinal Mooney High School involving Coach Carl Pelini as the reported victim.

“The validated police report has been prepared and released by the Youngstown Police Department Record Room so that the public can be accurately informed,” the announcement said.

No further details were released as of Tuesday.

Cardinal Mooney High School officials declined to comment.

This story was originally published October 15, 2024 at 12:44 PM.