Naugatuck High School Football Coach Resigns Amid Probe

Longtime Naugatuck High School football Coach Rob Plasky has resigned from the position as an  continues into whether he violated CIAC rules by giving money to the mother of two possile transfers.

Plasky, who was about to enter his 12th season, officially handed in a resignation letter to school officials, NHS Principal Jan Saam confirmed Friday morning.

In a prepared statement, Saam wrote: "During his tenure, (Plasky) showed passion for the game and commitment to the students and program by working closely with administration and the athletic director. He was well liked by the players and his actions were always with the best intentions of the athletes in mind."

Saam said she was not at liberty to comment on the specifics of Plasky's resignation because of the ongoing investigation. 

"It is a regrettable situation and I wish only the best for Coach Plasky," Saam stated. "I am grateful for the many years he brought his expertise to the high school to build up the football program. Many students benefited from his instruction, leadership and caring both on and off the field over the course of the years." 

Saam said she and Athletic Director Tom Pompei will work quickly to find a suitable replacement so that athletes are ready for the football season.

Naugatuck Patch reported Thursday that Plasky was under investigation by borough officials for allegedly giving money to the mother of Javon Martin, a Sacred Heart High School quarterback. Meme Martin, Javon's mother, is also the legal guardian of David Coggins, a collegiate Div. 1-caliber wide receiver who had verbally committed to Boston College. Both players wanted to transfer to Naugy from Sacred Heart for their senior years.

The Republican-American reported this week that Meme Martin was having trouble paying bills, and therefore Sacred Heart wouldn't release their transcripts, prohibiting them from transfering. 

Naugatuck Patch has learned that Plasky asked for $2,000 from the Naugatuck Football Alumni Association, a volunteer organization and fund-raising club for the football program, to give money to Meme Martin.

Sources said alumni association co-chair Frank Johnson Jr. did not know he was doing anything that could have been in violation of CIAC rules. Johnson later felt uncomfortable with the situation and approached Pompei after discussing it with Plasky, sources said.