Former soccer coach faces sexual harassment allegations

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Former women’s soccer coach Anthony J. DiTucci was under investigation for sexual harassment at the time of his indefinite leave in September, according to recently released documents.

DiTucci, who officially resigned on Oct. 15, was informed on Sept. 25. via a signed letter from Athletic Director Dave Heeke’s office that if certain allegations lodged by a student proved true, he would be in violation of Central Michigan University policies on sexual harassment and consensual relationships.

Central Michigan Life obtained the letter through the Freedom of Information Act. Copies were sent to Associate Vice Provost Robert Martin and Affirmative Action Officer Jeannie Jackson.

The letter states the university will interview anyone “deemed to possess information relevant to the charges” and will “examine all documents deemed of relevance and may require (DiTucci) to relinquish any material relating to the investigation which are solely in (his) possession.”

The university’s policy on consensual relationships prohibits any employees from exercising authority over someone with whom the employee has been romantically or sexually involved with.

University officials, including Heeke and General Counsel Eileen Jennings, have all declined to comment on any results of the investigation. Instead, Director of Media Relations Steve Smith – who is deferred to on all questions concerning DiTucci – released an official statement on Jan. 9.

The statement reads that the university is “aware of the allegations” and that it is “conducting a comprehensive review of the facts.”

Smith would not confirm whether or not the investigation was concluded.

“People are working on it,” said Smith, who refused to comment beyond the university’s official statement on Tuesday. “I couldn’t put a time frame for when things would come to pass.”

On Sept. 29, four days after being informed of the allegations, DiTucci was given an agreement and release contract which would release him from all affiliation with Central Michigan University. The contract was also obtained through FOIA.

DiTucci was given 21 days to voluntarily sign the contract, which he did on Oct. 15. As part of the agreement, he received lump sum payments of $12,937 and $2,890 after taxes, the second payment for his involvement in a 2008 summer camp.

The university also agreed not to “make any voluntary statements” regarding DiTucci’s employment or resignation, or “cause or encourage others to make such statements, that disparage or impugn the personal and/or business reputation, practice, or conduct.”

The university agreed to send a representative to the women’s soccer team to inform them to do likewise. According to team sources, the meeting did take place and the entire team was present.

Efforts to locate DiTucci have proven unsuccessful. According to his mother, Maryann DiTucci of Rochester N.Y., he is in transit at this time and has no contact information.

It was originally reported that DiTucci stepped down to pursue different endeavors.

DiTucci was placed on leave the day the team was scheduled to open Mid-American Conference play against Ball State, a match they won 3-0 under Tom Anagnost, who at the time was in charge of the team’s operations. Anagnost become head coach after DiTucci’s resignation.

The Chippewas were 5-2 in their non-conference schedule under DiTucci in 2008. They amassed a record of 12-5-3, including a win in the opening match of the MAC Tournament.

DiTucci first came to CMU in 2002 as a graduate assistant before taking over head coaching duties in 2004. He recorded a 43-40-8 record over his four-plus seasons at the helm.

sports@cm-life.com