Westshore Rebels head coach Charly Cardilicchia has apologized for disparaging remarks he made on his personal Facebook page against other teams and coaches in the B.C. Football Conference.
“The BCFC has a social media policy in place for all members, and we expect it followed,” said league president Tyler Mclaren.
“We will hold those who don’t follow it accountable, and we expect our head coaches to set the example.”
The Rebels have been put on notice regarding the issue.
“A bond has been put in place and will cost the Rebels some money if it happens again, but we don’t think it will happen again,” said Blake Roberts, BCFC vice-president of media and business development.
“This sends a message to players and coaches to not make inflammatory statements.”
The remarks in question have been taken down.
“For obvious reasons, we can’t divulge the full ramifications in this particular instance,” said Mclaren.
“But we trust this is a one-off situation, and others including Charly, take notice and learn from this, and not have history repeat itself. The BCFC has expressed to the Westshore Rebels and Charly that this isn’t acceptable, and I am confident they understand the league’s position. The goal is we can all learn from this and not have it happen again from anyone in our membership.”
Roberts said no further disciplinary action will be taken against Cardilicchia or the Rebels.
Cardilicchia, 2017 BCFC coach of the year, released a statement Wednesday that was posted on the league and Rebels websites.
“Recently, I made statements on my personal Facebook page and to potential recruits that were critical of other teams, coaches and players in the British Columbia Football Conference,” Cardilicchia’s statement read.
“My statements were not true, inappropriate and irresponsible on my part as a leader of a team in the BCFC. I take seriously my role in the conference and regret putting the Westshore Rebels in this situation. I apologize to the V.I. Raiders, Okanagan Sun, the players and coaches I specifically mentioned, as well as the member teams in the BCFC. I also apologize to the Westshore Rebels organization, my coaches and players. As your head coach, I let you down. It won’t happen again.”
Cardilicchia, who is going into his second year as head coach, could not be reached Wednesday.
“We realize the league has a policy in place and support its decision,” said Rob Lervold, GM and president of the Rebels.
“Charly is regretful for his comments. As head coach coach, he realizes he is the face of our organization.”
The 2018 BCFC season opens for the Island clubs Aug. 5 with the Raiders in Chilliwack against the Fraser Valley Huskers and the Rebels in Langley against the Rams.
