Bradley Leal, Whitman-Hanson’s new head football coach, is out of a job and faces criminal charges following a late-night traffic stop that police say revealed both alleged drunk driving and a 15-month-old child left at home alone. Leal, who had recently been appointed to oversee the Whitman-Hanson programme, was detained and charged with operating under the influence and reckless endangerment of a minor. According to authorities, Leal informed cops during the encounter that his 15-month-old was home alone, necessitating a health check. Officers eventually discovered the child asleep in a crib and released him to family members.
According to Boston 25 News, a Braintree officer stopped Leal shortly before midnight after he reportedly ran a red light at Union and Middle Streets and nearly impacted two other vehicles. Officers reported smelling alcohol and noticing that Leal’s eyes seemed blurry. Police say Leal told them he had been to a restaurant in Weymouth and had “like three beers” before getting behind the wheel.
During the stop, Leal allegedly told cops, “I have a problem” and “I need to get home.” “My baby is home,” according to Boston 25 News. He was arrested on the scene and subsequently pleaded not guilty. His lawyer declined to comment.
Leal’s hiring was billed as a fresh start for Whitman-Hanson’s football programme. According to The Enterprise, he was introduced as the Panthers’ next head coach in April and was previously a mathematics teacher in Plymouth Public Schools who also coached boys’ lacrosse on the South Shore.
That fresh start didn’t last long. Whitman-Hanson Regional School District Superintendent John Marcus informed Boston 25 News that Leal resigned as head coach on June 14. According to him, the district restricted Leal’s access to school systems and directed him not to engage with students or staff while officials conducted an internal review. The district has stated that it will disclose more information after the review is completed.
Charges And Legal Stakes
Leal is charged with operating under the influence in accordance with state motor vehicle legislation, as well as reckless endangerment of a kid.
Operating under the influence is punishable by fines, licence suspensions or revocations, and possible jail time, depending on prior offences and case outcomes, according to Massachusetts state law.
The reckless-endangerment charge is based on actions that allegedly put a kid in serious physical danger. That offence is specified by the Massachusetts Legislature and carries a maximum punishment of two and a half years in a correctional facility.
The matter is still continuing, and further court dates have not yet been announced. Town and school officials say they will provide information as records and hearings become available. We will update this article as fresh filings, court schedules, and government statements become available.
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