A non-criminal complaint filed with a Michigan school district in November led to an independent investigation and disciplinary action against the district's athletic director for violating state health orders.
As reported by CBS affiliate WTOL in Toledo, Ohio, Jon Zajac was accused of organizing a basketball practice for Tecumseh High School students, including his son, at a local church's open gym Nov. 25. The players attended a tournament in Toledo on Nov. 28.
Zajac was placed on paid non-disciplinary leave Nov. 30.
The school district opened a third-party investigation, concluded Dec. 23, that found Zajac had violated the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order issued Nov. 15 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer suspending all in-person school sports activities statewide.
"We are disappointed with the poor judgment shown by our athletic director, Mr. Zajac," district superintendent Rick Hilderley stated. "His actions violated a government order and potentially endangered the safety of TPS students. We have taken action to address the issue and we will expect better from Jon moving forward."
The findings from the investigation will be sent to the Michigan High School Athletic Association and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
"I take full responsibility for my actions. I broke a MDHHS restriction of organizing a sport open gym and by taking my son and a few of his friends to Toledo to play in a basketball tournament over the Thanksgiving break," Zajac said, according to WTOL. "This was not done with ill intent or maliciously. I should have checked with Mr. Hilderley prior to participating in the tournament. I apologize for my actions and involvement in this."
Zajac returned to normal duties Dec. 23.
