BUFFALO, N.Y. — Parents, coaches, and members of the Buffalo high school athletics community rallied on Friday in support of a coach who will not be on the field this season.
Lee Behnke was informed earlier this week that he's no longer allowed to work as a paid or volunteer coach at Bennett High School this season, because of recruiting allegations.
Behnke said the allegations were previously reviewed by the school district and that no evidence of wrongdoing was found.
"I don't really understand why or how we got to this point," Behnke said during a news conference at All High Stadium, hours before another full slate of football games kicked off Friday night.
"But here we are, and again, all I ask is that I can coach for Lewis J. Bennett High School for the 2024 season, and if not, we are just going to continue to pursue action."
2 On Your Side reached out to Buffalo Public Schools, which released a statement.
"While the district is prohibited from discussing personnel matters, the district follows all district and Section VI guidelines, practices, and bylaws to ensure its student-athletes are able to compete at the highest level," BPS said.
"Mr. Behnke is not and has not been employed by the district in any capacity and he has been instructed to refrain from representing himself as a coach at Bennett."
Dylan McDuffie was among those who supported Behnke at Friday's event.
"From top to bottom, we all need to support Lee because he is one of the most influential and positive role models we have for our student-athletes. Lee is a foundational piece of Buffalo athletics and mentorship," McDuffie said in a statement.