Zuppo family sues, seeking injunction

The Girard High quarterback was hoping to play in tonight's game.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
GIRARD -- The father of suspended Girard High quarterback Matt Zuppo was in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court todayasking for a temporary restraining order to have his son play in tonight's game against Liberty.
The senior was ejected from last week's game against Hubbard after receiving a double unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. He appeared before Judge Peter Kontos today.
While the Ohio High School Athletic Association rule is clear that an ejection carries a one game suspension, Girard athletic director Joe Cappuzzello is frustrated that there's no appeals process. He took his beef to OHSAA commissioner Clair Muscaro.
"We think the kid was wrong in what he did, no doubt," said Cappuzzello, "but my argument is the inconsistency, and does the punishment fit the crime?
"Having no appeals is wrong. You're at their mercy. I'm not sure that's good."
Angered by no-call
The OHSAA rulebook states in bylaw 8, section 3, paragraph 1: "Protests arising from the decision and interpretations of the rules by officials during the contest will not be considered. ... The decisions and interpretations ... by officials are final."
The play involving Zuppo, he said, was clear-cut.
"There's no question our kid was grabbed by the head, but I could see where the official's view may have been blocked," Cappuzzello said of game video.
According to Cappuzzello, when Zuppo complained, the official said he didn't see anything.
"He felt his head got ripped off and the official didn't see it and nothing was done," Cappuzzello said.
Cappuzzello claims other games recently have had enforcement discrepancies.
"I've heard of two unsportsmanlike penalties in a row against other people who were not put out," he said.
Bad language
Cappuzzello also has a problem with sideline vulgarity and application of penalties.
"Coaches are cussing the whole time. As long as it's not directed [at] the referee, they do nothing."
Cappuzzello said he personally makes attempts to keep negativity out of cheering, but, sometimes, there's no reciprocity.
"It's each school's responsibility to police their own," he said. "There are adult fans cheering 'Goodbye Zuppo,' at these games. How adult-like is that?"
He admits that mixed signals haven't helped.
"From the administration to parents and fans, everybody wants something until it affects them. That's why there are so many inconsistencies in what we do."