Ousted football coach Eric Kasperowicz is fighting back.
On behalf of Kasperowicz, local attorney Joel Sansone filed a defamation lawsuit against the Pine-Richland School District and some of its top officials Friday morning.
"Earlier today, we filed suit in Common Pleas Court in Allegheny County against [superintendent] Brian Miller, [school board president] Peter Lyons and the school district for the defamation of my client's character," Sansone told News Radio KDKA's Marty Griffin.
The lawsuit also names assistant principal Thomas Salopek as a defendant and accuses district officials of telling and perpetuating lies about Kasperowicz.
The former Pine-Richland High School football coach was unexpectedly fired along with the entire coaching staff over accusations of "a pattern of hazing and intimidation."
During a press conference announcing the lawsuit Friday afternoon, Sansone claimed the district has no evidence for their claims.
"There is no evidence that Coach K has ever condoned or even known about any of the conduct that has been alleged or has been hinted toward," he said. "Had he known or seen any such conduct, he and his staff would have put it to bed right away."
Kasperowicz spoke briefly and opened his remarks thanking his supporters.
He then discussed his reasons for filing the lawsuit.
"I'm taking this action for two reasons. First, to reclaim the good name and reputation given to me by my parents and earned by me through my work as coach at Pine-Richland as head of the football team together with the work of my dedicated staff.
"Second, I am taking this action to correct a terrible wrong that has been visited upon my community by persons who did not have the interests of our students and community in mind when taking this step.
"With the help of my legal team, I will prove that all of the allegations made against me are false. I have never condoned the conduct described and I never will.
"I have given my life's work to building student athletes who are honest and hard working. The conduct described does not meet with the values that I and my staff have taught these young men over the years.
"I will not stand for these attacks on me and my staff and I will fight for as long as it takes to disprove these lies and return my good name and reputation."
Sansone said he plans to file a second lawsuit in the United States District Court claiming Kasperowicz has not been afforded due process in connection with unlawful termination.
"It is politics of the ugliest kind that has motivated this shameful conduct by the school board, which has been blinded by the corrupt actions of Mr. Miller and Mr. Lyons," he said.
Sansone added Kasperowicz still wants his job back and believes he'll get it as a result of the lawsuits.
"When this is over, my prediction is that Eric Kasperowicz will be back at Pine-Richland as the coach and as a beloved member of that community," he said.
News Radio KDKA has reached out to the Pine-Richland School District for comment, but has not heard back.