Rhode Island Basketball Ref Sues School Athletic Director

A Rhode Island basketball referee has filed a libel lawsuit against Westerly High School’s athletic director for allegedly describing him as “a complete molester” in an e-mail to the state referees organization.

Michael Cabral is seeking unspecified damages from athletic director James Vetelino, according to the complaint filed in Washington County Superior Court.

The Sun of Westerly reports that the suit stems from an incident in December when Cabral watched a girls’ basketball game at Westerly.

The suit says Vetelino sent an e-mail to the Rhode Island Board 84 of Approved Basketball Officials asking that Cabral not be assigned to Westerly games because of his alleged behavior, which was not specified.

Vetelino refused comment on the suit. Attorneys for Vetelino and the town deny the allegations in court documents.