Peabody Youth Football and Cheering President Resigns

PEABODY, MA — Two Peabody Youth Football and Cheering officials have resigned amid questions of how the league's finances were handled. Following the resignations of President Jacqui Pence and Treasurer George Gardikas, a board of trustees is being assembled under the supervision of Northeastern Conference Youth Football and Cheering, according to statements from the league.

An online petition launched late last month called for officials to resign or be removed, and "turn over all financial receipts, bank statements, governing bylaws, outstanding invoices and all other league information" to Equipment Manager Todd Breen and Secretary Marci Ridley.

The petition was formed in light of a WBZ I-Team investigation, which found some of the youth football players didn't have helmets for some practices after the program started in August. According to the report, other players were given equipment in poor condition: moldy, damaged, and not professionally recertified.

The issues with the equipment raised questions for parents regarding how the league's money has been spent.

In a letter posted to the Peabody Tanner Youth Football and Cheer forum on Sept. 29, Pence wrote that the questions surrounding her leadership will be answered "very shortly." She also absolved Vice President Steven O'Hara of all blame, noting that he is an "upstanding honest person and an amazing coach."

Detective Michael Crane confirmed Tuesday that the league gave financial documents to the police, but said no further information was available.

"Officials from the Peabody Pop Warner Youth Football Association have forwarded financial documents to the Peabody Police Department and are currently under a comprehensive administrative review," said Crane.

Click here to read the full WBZ investigation

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