Waco Breaking News

By D Manigo

May 19, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

I believe the schools she be more careful when placing a teacher in a position where somethng like this can happen. I’m not faulting the school but a 24 yr old teaching in high school is more inclined to have a relationship with a student when compared to 35 yr old. We know the need for educators but I personally feel there should be a gradual progression to teaching at the high school level.

By JLM

May 19, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

What is a man of his age doing assisting coaching a girl’s sports team? I think this was a disaster waiting to happen.. I am sure he was flirted with and lost control; not that I am defending him but highschool girls now are more experienced than they were years ago. This was a bad situation to begin with. If he wasn’t an educator, this would not be so much of an issue given the way things are now.

By tx

May 19, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Perhaps if we as citizens of Texas would demand that our teachers be paid decent salaries that would allow us to attract the best into the profession it would help these situations. There is one question that I don’t see, where were the parents when the 14 year old girl was allowed to go to the teacher’s apartment? Yes he was wrong and should have known better, but where are the parents and their responsibilities as well. I personally think both the teacher and the parents should be accountable for this happening!

By again

May 19, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

This is not the first time this has happened at this school. In 1997 one of the football coaches got divorced and then married a student the summer she graduated. He was sent to another school and nothing happened.

By annie

May 19, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Age, subjects taught, pay scale, etc… has nothing to do with it! He’s being charged as a sexual predator. A 24 yr old man knows this is a crime! Manigo—it’s awfully naive to think a 35 yr old is less “inclined” to commit a sexual offense than a 24 yr old. If someone has never committed an offense on record, how would the school know? The fact of the matter is it happens everyday in a variety of settings, not just school. Young girls may think they know what’s going on but are clueless. The 14 yr old could have simply lied to her parents about where she was going. 14 yr olds may be more “experienced” but they don’t deserve to be sexually exploited, molested, etc… Let’s hope ALL schools do a better job protecting our kids against predators.

By do

May 19, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

14 is not hs, that is JR High age. Most likely an 8th grader or and older 7th grader. Having him at the hs did not help. The school had nothing to do with this sicko. Tougher punishment maybe. Parent can’t be with them all the time but one thing they can do is monitor clothing they allow them to wear. 90% of parents allow their jr high girls to dress immodestly and 50% of parents dress the same. Parents if you let your daughters wear something because guys like it then you are only encouraging this type of behavior.

By J

May 19, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

14 is high school age….check your math!!

By LM

May 19, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Thanks tx, now I know that monthly income has a direct correlation to sexual desire and will power against temptation

By Common Sense

May 19, 2009 2:17 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Sexual Predators in schools in nothing new. Like any predator, they go where their prey is. It’s not often easy to spot them at first glance. At least this doesn’t seem to be the age old problem of a sexual predator who has been traded from one school system to the next. That’s a story as old almost as old as the predators being in school.

The only lesson that can be imparted on these people is to send tough signals to them that this behavoir will meet with serious consequences. They have to see that it won’t be tolerated, not the fifth or sixth time this happens, but every time it happens.

By ah

May 19, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Coach Sal first off was never displayed as a sexual predator. Some of these comments are true - nobody can help the fact of the type of attitude that is later displayed in people. Especially this one. He was a mentor, coach, teacher, friend, and somebody most of us looked up too. I would have never thought this would have happened. I feel no anger - just nothing. It has not set in yet. The image of him displayed on this site makes him look like a monster in which he WAS not. Sometimes you have to realize that you can’t quickly anger with a person that you know so well and think otherwise of. This will take a getting used too. Coach Sal was a down to earth guy, and it will take time to realize this incident and accept it. To Sal: i’m sorry you put yourself in this kind of situation. To other people: you can’t be too quick to judge until you realize your own flaws.

By Male

May 19, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Predator is a bit strong. Many of these comments are WAY over the top. I understand and agree that this is against the law AND it IS different from kids who are 4-5 years apart hooking up (although that is still felony sexual assault), but I bet 50% of the these readers have, at least distant, family members who are married couples who are at 10 or more years apart in age. Not very long ago, it was very common for girls to marry at 13-15 - typically to men between 20-25 years old. I’m not saying he did nothing wrong, I’m just saying that there should be a balance to this. This guy is likely NOT the lurking predator that is looking for 9 year olds to molest. Honestly, I think sex offenders, in most cases, should be put to death. —But this is not one of those cases. He used very, very poor judgement, especially in light of his position at the school.

By Jennifer H.

May 19, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Quit putting the blame off on someone or something else! He is the adult and I think $1 million bond says it all. We all have choices, now he has to pay…

By Teresa

May 19, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

I don’t think any young man should be coaching any girls sports unless there is a female coach in place with him. At no time should a female student be alone with a male educator, principal or coach. There should always be a female present. In this case, however, it didn’t happen at school. Teachers are neighbors, friends and kin-that can’t be helped. At 24, any young man should consider teaching on the elementary level. Goodness knows those age level of kids need a male presence, influence. Most probably don’t get that at home. On the flipside, no young woman (20’s ish) should be teaching in Jr. & Sr. High School. The young adults, just getting started, should teach in the lower levels, at least for a start. What is so sad is that bad teachers make it hard on the good ones. Decent pay and benefits will surely help. Many teachers pay for classroom extras out of thier own pocket. They grade papers at home. Better working pay, benefits and guidelines will be a boost. Conservative dress, male & female teachers alike. Female coaching females, males coaching males. There needs to be more oversight, checks and balances. The catch is how to relegate the younger teachers to the elementary level for a few years or so, giving them time to get seasoned- matured- without an outcry of age discrimination. It’s up to parents to get involved. What is the set up at their child’s school concerning male and female teacher’s? Who is coaching thier child and are they comfortable with it? I know at Axtell Elementary there is video survellience. The principal can check in on any classroom, even the gym, from her office. That’s over sight.

By concerned

May 19, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BE IN TEACHERS’ HOMES. PERIOD! Even with the benefit of the doubt, say the girl showed up on her own free will, Coach should have refused to let her inside, called the police first, then her parents. If this man didn’t commit the crime as alleged, he’s in for one hell of a fight and will never regain his reputation much less teach again. I still have faith in our judicial system (even after years of clueless political appointees) so if he did it, lock him up for good b/cuz the odds are in his favor that he will do it again.

By LMN

May 19, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Innocent until proven guilty. Just because he has a high bond does not mean he is guilty. It just takes someone saying that something happened to get arrested and to be in the same position this guy is in. If he did it well that’s terrible but what if he didn’t and a kid just wants attention? Quit convicting him unless you are a juror at his trial.

By update?

May 19, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

You last few commenters—-what did you NOT read!!!

Salisbury told Woodway Department of Public Safety officers that he had sexual intercourse with the student at his home in April and May<<<<<<<<

By Fred

May 19, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Are you people kidding me??? Now you are going to stereotype everybody? Look around: this kind of thing happens at any age, male or female. It has nothing to do with “young teachers or coaches”; it has nothing to do with the kids; it has everything to do with people making stupid decisions (at any age!!) and some people demonstrating bizarre behavior.

Just because a coach is young, male or female, it doesn’t mean that they are child molesters! Remember the LSU womens Basketball Coach? She had an improper relationship with a female player on her team and lost her career over it!

Wake up and realize that these people are out there and you cannot “profile” them by their age and sex alone. They have a sickness that the rest of us (hopefully) do not have!

By Fred

May 19, 2009 10:46 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Oh, and by the way, according to the article, this guy confessed to the Police. He betrayed the kids who trusted in him to lead them by coaching and teaching. He preyed on a minor 14 years of age.

Quit making excuses for this guy! The girl (victim) is not to blame! He is at fault all the way and he has behavioral issues as well!!!

By Pansy Thomas

May 20, 2009 3:01 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

You people that are being so judgemental surely do not have anyone else in your family because if so you REALLY need to be careful so when something happens in your family people aren’t so cruel as to hurt your family by calling the names like you have with this young man. He did something wrong, he also turned himself in. He admitted his wrong —- how many of us do that? Just be careful as these things do come back to haunt you!!

By Concerned

May 20, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

RAPE RAPE RAPE……….

Admitted guilt…no trial……punish him.

not “indecency with a child or sexual assault and improper relationship between an educator and a student” its RAPE…

He RAPED her……..

Its not her fault in any way shape or form she’s a child its all his fault and he RAPED her………She’s to young to understand and make the right descisions… he RAPED her he admitted having sexual intercourse so its RAPE….

By mt

May 21, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

what do you mean rape? i think not, it happened several times. the girl innocent, not hardly, where were the parents? this was an act of sex agreeable from both sides. this girl went to his house alone,more than likely knowing what was going to happen, this was not at all rape.i would have never let my 14yr old daughter go to a mans house by herself, but then again, she was probably spending the night at her bf house, huh. not just once but several times. 14 yr old girls now act and look like they are 18. Yes he was wrong for having sex with a 14 yr old, but what is a 14 yr old doing having sex at that age anyway? I just gotta say this but the parents and this girl are just to blame as this guy!!!!!

By Local Law Student

June 14, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

This bail is HIGHLY excessive, and EXTREMEMLY unconstitutional!!!! Does anyone know if this young man has a lawyer yet, and if so who it is? Also, is there a link/site one can use to follow this story? I understand that this is a statutory issue, but come onnnnn. This girl obviously had a crush on her coach, and probably still does. Her parents need to take a good look at their obvious negligent parental skills. Further, I’ve followed a lot of local blogs/facebook posts about this case… and apparently this Coach is a great kid with impeccable character and his life should not be destroyed because some teenager’s parents have suddenly decided to take an interest in their daughter’s life. My guess is that this coach probably cared about her more than they ever have!

By Lorena Fan

June 19, 2009 7:01 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Where is an update as to what is happening with this????