Second Coach Suspended in Maine West Hazing Scandal

Emilio Rodriguez suspended without pay during dismissal process

A second Maine West High School coach was suspended Thursday in the wake of a hazing scandal in northwest suburban Park Ridge.

School district officials voted to suspend Emilio Rodriguez without pay while his dismissal is pending.

That action follows the district's move last month to terminate Michael Divincezo. Both coaches were accused of turning a blind eye to the hazing of students on their soccer team.

Divincezo has requested a hearing with the state Board of Education seeking a reversal of his dismissal.

Rodriguez can also request a hearing from state officials. If he does so, the process for a review can take a year or more to complete.

The district has appointed an attorney to thoroughly look into the hazing cases. Officials have also hired a consultant to start focus groups at the schools addressing bullying and hazing.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has also been looking into the case to determine whether any district employees broke the law.
 

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