Carl Pelini

YOUNGSTOWN — Cardinal Mooney has reinstated its football coach and athletic director after he was placed on administrative leave following a domestic dispute last weekend.

Cardinal Mooney high school released a statement today that Carl Pelini, who took over the football program last summer just days before the start of fall practices, was reinstated as both the school’s athletic director and head football coach effective immediately.

School president Tom Maj also said Mooney’s leadership team will continue to monitor the school’s coaches and entire athletic program as they have in the past.

“I am grateful that this process of discernment yielded the clarity we need to move forward, together,” Maj said. “Our 2021-2022 school year is off to a phenomenal start and our attention needs to be singularly focused on our students’ success, so that we can make this the best Cardinal Mooney year ever.”

In a statement paired with the school’s announcement, Pelini said he was grateful to have the opportunity to resume his role with his alma mater.

“I want to express my deep and sincere regret that our Cardinal Mooney community and the Diocese of Youngstown were drawn into the private and personal matters of my family,” Pelini stated. “I wish to express my gratitude to everyone for remaining patient as I worked to clarify the authorities’ misunderstanding that led to wrongful, and ultimately dismissed, charges. Most importantly, I am grateful for the support and prayers that our community continues to offer my family as we heal.”

Early last week, Pelini was placed on administrative leave after he was being sought by Boardman police for a domestic violence arrest warrant after officers had responded to the family home.

Pelini turned himself in to Boardman police at 7:30 a.m. August 31 and was arraigned in Mahoning County Court at Boardman. He pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence and posted a $2,500 bond.

Pelini’s case was dismissed last Friday after assistant Prosecutor Michael McBride said Pelini’s wife refused to testify.

Since taking over the Cardinal Mooney football program last season, the Cardinals have gone 2-9 and have yet to win a game this season.

Pelini will return to Cardinal Mooney’s sideline this weekend for the team’s first home game at Mineral Ridge where they will take on Linsly (WV) Saturday at 7 p.m.