Rob Ford loses his job — as high school football coach
TORONTO — From Rob Ford’s SUV escape from reporters at a Tim Hortons, to his firing from his beloved high school football program, to Doug Ford’s spirited defence at a city hall press conference, Torontonians have been witness to yet another bizarre day as the mayor’s crack- cocaine video scandal shows no sign of abating.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board announced Wednesday afternoon that Rob Ford would not be returning as head coach of Don Bosco Eagles Football program.
“The board has informed Ford of our decision to pursue a different direction with a new volunteer head coach for the Don Bosco Eagles senior football team,” the school board said in a news release. “This decision was based on what is best for our students, our school and the Don Bosco community.”
The school board did not mention the crack- cocaine allegations, and long before the scandal came to light, it was thought that his coaching days were numbered due to a number of previous controversies.
After the mayor refused to address the explosive allegations for a fifth- straight day, it was left to his brother, Coun. Doug Ford, to respond to the political crisis, which has made headlines around the world.
Doug Ford said he does not speak for the mayor, but believes he already addressed the allegations when he called them “ridiculous” on Friday. “I don’t know how much more he can say,” he said.
“Rob is telling me these stories are untrue, that these accusations are ridiculous and I believe him,” he added. “I will always support my brother as the mayor of this city because I believe in his track record.”
Doug Ford didn’t take questions from reporters after his speech, in which he spent the majority of the time promoting the city’s finances and his brother’s agenda. He slammed the Toronto Star and Gawker, and said reporters were following his family.
“I am asking all of you today, please stop. Please stop harassing my children; please stop harassing my mother,” the Etobicoke North councillor said.