SAN ANTONIO -- A University of the Incarnate Word coach is suspended for the rest of the season. He's accused of roughing up a football player.
Todd Ivicic has worked for UIW since November 2007 as the defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator, according to the UIW Cardinals website. Currently, he is the defensive line coach.
A freshman kicker and punter, Roman Coto Jr., told Eyewitness News the coach got upset at him Saturday night after a trick play where he ran the ball and got tackled. He said Ivicic singled out that play at the next team meeting.
"He immediately pulled up the tape and said the 'f' word, the hole was there. You should stop doing what you want to do and do what I ask you to do'," said Roman.
Roman said he told the coach to go onto the next play.
"Next thing I know, he comes up to my face; out of nowhere, he grabbed me and forced my head to look at him and I was shocked," said Roman.
Roman said he immediately left the meeting and told his mom what happened.
"As soon as I told her the coach laid his hands on my face, she told me to file a police report and I did," said Roman.
University of Incarnate Word released a statement to Eyewitness News:
The University of the Incarnate Word is aware of allegations against associate head football coach Todd Ivicic. Coach Ivicic will not be involved in any team functions for the remainder of the season. Beyond that acknowledgement, the University, by policy, does not comment on personnel matters.
Roman said he's not the first player whom Ivicic has verbally abused. Roman plans to continue playing football at UIW.