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Outraged parents protest firing of football coach at Warren De La Salle

Posted at 11:23 PM, Dec 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-18 05:51:27-05

WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — A hazing scandal has rocked Warren De La Salle High School. A large group of parents, students and alumni protested the ousting of their football coach Tuesday night amid an alleged hazing investigation involving a broomstick.

Anthony Stull played in the football program for four years before graduating in 2019.

RELATED: School says Warren De La Salle football coach is out; provides timeline of alleged hazing investigation

"I've never seen anything like that a De La Salle," Stull said. "[Coach Giannone] is so much more than a football coach. He's a leader of men."

In the statement, the district says that "legal matters" or issues related to "human resources" cannot be commented on. However, it was confirmed that Mike Giannone is no longer working at the school. No further information was immediately released specifying if Giannone was fired or if he resigned.

Parents say they're frustrated about the lack of information released and also claim they're being shut out by the administration and board of trustees.

Craig Cole's son is a junior at the school.

"Parents were told you will not get a meeting with board of trustees and you never will," Cole said.

A school released a statement on Monday.

“We cannot comment on legal matters. Since we were first made aware of the hazing activities, we have been steadfast in maintaining the safety, health and education of all De La Salle students as our top priority while we navigate this troubling issue. We have been working in full collaboration with our Board of Trustees and the Christian Brothers on all actions in response to the hazing allegations and will continue to do so as we address this lawsuit. Our hearts and prayers are with those impacted by the hazing, particularly the students who were victimized and their families.”

A spokesperson for the school said a hotline is available for parents to voice questions or concerns.