Hinsdale D86 May Settle Basketball Lawsuit: Lawyer

HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale High School District 86 board may settle the lawsuit filed by the mother of a Hinsdale South basketball player, the family's attorney said Thursday.

In an interview, attorney Steven Glink said the district's attorney is expected to discuss the possibility of a settlement during the board's closed session at its regular meeting Thursday night.

In November, Erin Savage, the mother of South student Brendan Savage, sued the district in federal court. She alleged coach Michael Belcaster cut her son from the boys varsity team in retaliation for filing a complaint against his predecessor.

Days later, the school board let the player back on the team.

The lawsuit continues because of the blowback the student has faced for filing a whistleblower complaint against the former coach, Michael Moretti, Glink said. He alleged Moretti bullied and humiliated him.

"People still make fun of him for filing the case, trying to vindicate his rights," Glink said.

The attorney said the case involves the protection of Savage's First Amendment rights and his ability to file a whistleblower complaint.

Before making his complaint, Brendan Savage was considered a standout player on the varsity team for the last two years, according to the lawsuit. He was named all-conference his sophomore and junior years.

Savage was also named Athlete of the Week and a three-point shooting winner.

Moretti's successor, Belcaster, cut Savage from the team.

Glink contended Brendan Savage was removed because of the complaint.

"That in itself had a devastating impact on him," the lawyer said. "He was thinking he would play basketball in college. This was the last chance for colleges to look at you."

Once Savage returned to the team, his playing time was relatively minimal for the first two-thirds of the season, but increased in the last third, Glink said.

Last week, the district dismissed Belcaster. The school board considered suspending him in January, but decided against it after parents, players and coach's wife spoke out.

Glink said his client was not seeking Belcaster's ouster. That was the district's decision, he said.

The district's spokesman could not be reached for immediate comment. On Wednesday, the district said it would not comment on Belcaster's situation. Belcaster did not return a message for comment.