Former Chelsea football coach suspended after indictment

Suspended Medford High football coach James Atkins is off the sideline, awaiting his day in court later this month. His team now must push forward for the second time in two seasons minus his presence.

Atkins was suspended without pay last Thursday by the Medford school district's superintendent, Roy Belson, a day after he was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury. Officials have charged that Atkins, who coached Chelsea High's football team from 2004 to 2007, misused approximately $10,000 in Chelsea Boosters Club funds.

Atkins was not in attendance at Hormel Stadium last Friday night, when the Mustangs lost to Newton South, 14-7, and dropped to 0-4 on the year. Defensive coordinator Mike Marchese and offensive coordinator James Delverde have been named interim coaches for the remainder of the season.

The timing has left many associated with Medford High's football team frustrated. Atkins was put on paid leave for all of last season during the investigation. In August, with no charges pending, he was cleared by school officials to coach the squad. Atkins was hired in May 2007 to turn around the Mustangs program, which has gone 8-49 since the start of 2003.

"I most certainly respect the legal process," said Belson. "But I just wish they would have been a little more expeditious, because our kids are impacted by this."

Atkins met with the team last Thursday, where he announced the program's changes in what turned out to be an emotional meeting.