Posted at: 10/13/2011 9:20 PM | Updated at: 10/13/2011 10:26 PM
By: Eddie Garcia, KOB Eyewitness News 4
 Andrew Mendoza (center) is seen here on the sidelines between two coaches at a recent YAFL game. |
The Youth Football League President is speaking out after photos surface showing a suspected drug trafficker mingling with kids and coaches on the field.
KOB Eyewitness News 4 called the league president who said he's doing everything he can to make sure the children are safe. Andrew Mendoza appeared in court on drug trafficking charges on Sunday.
"Taking into account your criminal history as a minor, this court's concern is not that you're a flight risk but that you are a danger to the community," said the judge.
In that same court appearance, a district attorney prosecutor brought up Mendoza's juvenile record, saying that in February 2006 Mendoza was charged with voluntary manslaughter in the stabbing death of a 19-year-old man.
The parent of a YAFL football player e-mailed KOB photos Thursday of Mendoza interacting with players.
According to the league's president, he is not coaching in the photos and never has.
"He did apply to be a coach and it was denied - he's never gotten a coaches badge, he's never gotten a clearance - he's not a certified coach and he should not be out there coaching the kids," said New Mexico YAFL President, Dan Wilkinson.
To be sure, Wilkinson called the team's head coach Ray Rodarte, who is Mendoza's brother - again he denied Mendoza ever coached the kids.
Wilkinson said anyone who wants to be a coach has to go through an extensive background check - then they have to renew their license every year.
"If they're given a green light then we allow them to coach - if they're given a red light then they cannot coach," said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson said Mendoza's involvement will be totally restricted in the future.
He says the players? safety is paramount.
"We don't put up with anybody allowing coaches who are not certified out there with the kids and if it is found out that they are doing that it will be stopped immediately and disciplinary action will be taken," said Wilkinson.
Mendoza is out on a $50,000 bond.
His family will not comment on-camera after multiple requests - instead they are referring us to his lawyer, who has not given a statement.
 �� |  | Print�� |
Source: http://www.kob.com/article/stories/s2328325.shtml?cat=500
bankruptcy attorney albuquerque albuquerque bankruptcy attorneys bankruptcy attorneys albuquerque
No comments:
Post a Comment