Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board Trustee Bernie Mastromattei is coming out in defense of Catholic Central High School basketball coach Peter Cusumano.
"I've known him to have high integrity, high moral standards," says Mastromattei of Cusumano.
The high school teacher and basketball coach has come under scrutiny for housing his Sudanese basketball star Jonathan Nicola and not reporting him to authorities after Nicola is alleged to have misrepresented his age by 12 years.
Mastromattei doesn't think Cusumano was looking to game the system to secure a city championship.
"I support Peter 100% believing he had nothing but good intentions in dealing with this young man," says Mastromattei. "What Peter wants is young people learning through athletics and becoming better, productive citizens within the community."
Nicola was arrested by Canadian border authorities on April 15 after U.S. officials flagged the issue and refused him entry into the country. Officials say an application for a U.S. visa shows Nicola is 29 years old while his documents filed to enter Canada say he is 17 years old.
Mastromattei plans to reach out to Cusumano.
"I'm basically going to say, 'Peter. I know you. I respect you. I will always respect you and I know you did nothing wrong and I'm here to let you know in my own little way, I've got your back,'" says Mastromattei.
Nicola remains in custody as the Immigration and Refugee Board considers the matter.
