ids suspended. Couple seeks injunction against BTAA.
Wednesday, February 01, 206
By PRECIOUS PETTY
The Express-Times
EASTON | A Bethlehem Township couple is suing a youth sports league for suspending their sons from one of its wrestling teams last month after an argument between the boys’ father and coach.
Steve and Tracy Galasso, of the 3700 block of West Greenwood Drive, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association in Northampton County Court.
The Galassos claim President Modesto Fiume violated the association’s bylaws when he suspended the children, ages 11 and 9, without first submitting the matter to a vote before the association board.
They’re seeking an injunction that would allow the boys to rejoin the team before the wrestling season ends Feb. 5. The children won’t be eligible to participate in a postseason tournament otherwise, according to the suit. An injunction hearing date has not been scheduled, court officials said Tuesday.
The Galassos also want the association to pay all legal fees associated with their suit.
According to court documents, the conflict began Jan. 12 when Steve Galasso and Bulldogs’ varsity wrestling Coach Jody Crouse argued during a team practice. Later that day, Galasso requested Fiume transfer his sons to a different team, but Fiume denied the request, documents say.
On Jan. 13, Fiume told Galasso his children could no longer practice or compete with any of the association wrestling teams, documents say. Galasso then asked Fiume to put his children back on Crouse’s team, but Fiume denied that request, as well, documents say.
The Galassos lawyer, Abraham P. Kassis, and Fiume did not return phone calls for comment Tuesday.
Reporter Precious Petty can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at [email protected].
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