Hinsdale South student sues D86 in federal court claiming he was cut from the basketball team for reporting coach's verbal abuse
CHICAGO – A Hinsdale South High School basketball player and his mother have filed a lawsuit against the school district, alleging that he was cut from the team in retaliation for complaints against the former head coach's verbal abuse of players. The complaint demands his reinstatement to the varsity team and playing time.
Brendan Savage and his mother, Erin Savage, have filed a lawsuit in Chicago federal court against Hinsdale Township High School District 86, demanding Brenden's reinstatement to the varsity basketball team and playing time. The lawsuit alleges that Brendan was cut from the team in retaliation for complaints he filed against the former head coach, Michael Moretti, accusing him of verbal abuse, harassment, and bullying of players.
The complaint, filed on Nov. 22 by Northbrook attorney Steven Glink, states that Brendan had a successful record on the court, earning high honors in previous seasons, including being named to the All-Conference team as a sophomore and junior. In May 2023, Brendan filed a complaint against Moretti, prompting an investigation by District 86 officials. The investigation substantiated the allegations, leading to Moretti's removal as head varsity basketball coach and his demotion to head coach of the boys freshman basketball team.
The lawsuit claims that the new head coach, Michael Belcaster, who is described as a "close personal friend" of Moretti, refused to include Brendan on the varsity roster for his senior season. Brenden and his mother appealed the decision to Hinsdale school officials, who allegedly rejected their appeal. Erin then filed the lawsuit, claiming that Belcaster's actions amounted to punishment against Brendan for exercising his First Amendment rights by speaking out against Moretti's alleged violations of school policies.
The Savages are seeking an emergency court order to reinstate Brendan to the varsity team and direct the school to provide him with "reasonable playing time." They argue that this decision would allow Brendan to showcase his talents for college recruiters and potentially secure a basketball scholarship. Additionally, the lawsuit demands at least $75,000 in damages, plus attorney fees.
Despite reports from multiple news outlets on Nov. 28 that Brenden had been added to the Hinsdale South varsity basketball team, the lawsuit has not been withdrawn or dismissed.
The defendants in the lawsuit include Belcaster, District 86 Superintendent Linda Yonke, Hinsdale South Principal Patrick Hardy, Hinsdale South Athletic Director Art Ostrow, and District 86 employee Cheryl Moore, who served as the manager for student harassment and bullying complaints.