There are different theories on how to motivate players and turn young boys into men. San Diego’s Poway High School varsity football coach Damian Gonzalez stated in an interview that his coaching philosophy is to “teach the game of football to develop quality character, discipline, integrity, commitment and work ethic in our student-athletes.” Well Gonzalez may want to rethink his approach. As a result of constantly belittling and berating one the members of the Titans football team, coach Gonzalez and the school district are facing a personal injury lawsuit for causing physical and emotional injuries to varsity kicker Brandon Gandara, who was incidentally diagnosed with a specific learning disability.
Between September 15, 2010, and December 31, 2010, Gandara alleges coach Gonzalez physically injured, bullied, and harassed him during school and practice. Since Gonzalez was the physical education teacher and varsity football coach, he had constant interaction with Gandara and knew of his disability.
In one instance, Gandara was scheduled to undergo foot surgery and asked to be sidelined from all running drills, but coach Gonzalez did not see it that way. He instructed Gandara to take to the field and hit the sleds which ultimately caused more damage to his already injured foot.
If physical abuse was not on Gonzalez’ agenda, verbal abuse certainly was. Gonzalez would repeatedly call Gandara “fat,” “stupid,” and “lazy.” It was overheard once that Gonzalez yelled, “do you know why we hate you? Because you are you, and You Suck!”
If this physical and verbal assault was not bad enough, Gandara suffers for a specific learning disability which requires special education and support services provided by the school. Unfortunately, coach Gonzalez thought his form of treatment would better develop Gandara.
Coaches strive to get players to perform and maximum levels all in the name of winning, but Gonzalez clearly took this mantra a bit too far and placed himself and the school district in financial jeopardy.
Coach Gonzalez is coming off a 7-5 season in 2010 and looks to capture the conference crown in 2011.
The eight page civil complaint for personal injuries was filed on October 3, 2011 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, Central Division (37-2011-00098735-CU-PO-CTL).
