Springdale High School baseball coach arrested on assault charges

SPRINGDALE, PA — A high school coach is facing criminal charges following an alleged domestic incident reported over the weekend.

Brett Burger, 34, a baseball coach for Springdale High School, is charged with simple assault and strangulation.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 11, police were called to a home in Springdale on Sunday. A woman told cops that Burger had “punched and strangled her,” according to the complaint.

The documents allege she claimed Burger took her phone, and only returned it when she “said she wouldn’t call the cops.” Police reportedly spoke with Burger, who denied punching or choking her, but claimed they had been arguing, and “both pushed each other.”

Channel 11 observed Burger on the same block on Monday. We approached him to provide an opportunity to comment, but he declined.

A statement from Allegheny Valley Superintendent Pat Graczyk reads:

The Allegheny Valley School District is aware of the charges and is investigating the matter. Once our investigation is complete, we will determine if any action is necessary.

—  Allegheny Valley Superintendent Pat Graczyk

Channel 11 was approached by the alleged victim, who provided the following statement. “He is not a bad person and this is not something that should affect the rest of his career. I was not injured. And we are dealing with this the legal way.”

Graczyk declined to confirm whether or not Burger will continue coaching students while the district investigates.

A home game is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

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