Poly Prep Coach Accused of Sexual Assault
From 1966 to 1991, Philip Foglietta was the head football coach at the prestigious Poly Prep Country Day School in New York. Throughout this time, he allegedly sexually abused hundreds of young boys who attended Poly Prep.
Multiple students came forward about Foglietta’s abuse as it was happening, including during his first year of coaching. However, administrators said the boys weren’t reliable and threatened to expel them for “spreading rumors.”
According to survivors, Foglietta reportedly:
- Repeatedly molested and abused children on school grounds
- Often brought students into his car and back to his home
- Groomed young boys to gain their trust and make them stay silent
- Targeted students without male role models or fathers
While the majority of the abuse affected students at Poly Prep, lawsuits claim football players who attended Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath’s camp — where Foglietta worked during the summer — may have also been abused.
Although Foglietta passed away in 1998, lawsuits have since been filed against Poly Prep that accuse the school of protecting Foglietta, covering up the abuse, and failing to protect students from harm.
Coach Foglietta & Poly Prep’s Culture of Silence
Coach Foglietta was well-respected by many at Poly Prep because he elevated the school’s football program. Though he was accused of abuse on several occasions, these complaints were repeatedly ignored.
In 1966, a scholarship student told administrators Foglietta had molested him. He wasn’t invited to return to Poly Prep the next year. Later, a headmaster discarded letters accusing Foglietta of doing “terrible things” to protect the coach’s reputation.
This culture of secrecy and silence, upheld by those in positions of authority, allowed the abuse to continue unchecked for decades, causing harm to countless boys.
Other students were often vaguely aware of what was happening. One survivor — who, like many others, met Foglietta after his father passed away — noted that the coach assaulted him while his teammates watched TV nearby.
Societal stigmas and feelings of shame kept many students silent, unsure of how to process or confront what they experienced or witnessed.
“Preoccupied with our masculinity, in thrall to the turbocharged culture of football, and bound by a nearly religious devotion to our coach, we were all, I suspect, deeply afraid that we might be accused of being less than a man."
– Eric Lewis, Former Poly Prep Football Player
If you or a loved one suffered abuse at Poly Prep, what happened to you wasn’t your fault — and it never should’ve occurred. At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to helping survivors hold the institutions that enabled their abusers accountable.
Our Team Is Here for You
We know how difficult what you’re going through is. We’re here to help you fight back and secure the justice you deserve.
Poly Prep Lawsuit Settlement for Philip Foglietta’s Abuse
In 2012, Poly Prep settled a lawsuit with 12 plaintiffs who claimed to have been sexually abused by Philip Foglietta. While the men requested $20 Million each, details of the settlement haven’t been released to the public.
As adults, these survivors filed civil sexual abuse lawsuits alleging the school concealed the abuse to protect their athletic reputation and fundraising efforts.
Poly Prep’s legal team initially argued that staff members weren’t aware of the abuse until 1991. In a landmark decision, the court found that this claim was false, which allowed survivors to pursue justice after the typical lawsuit deadline at the time.
Many men have struggled throughout their lives due to the abuse they experienced. While this settlement provided some of them with a sense of closure, it’s likely that others are still out there, waiting for their voices to be heard.
At Sokolove Law, our compassionate attorneys are standing by to help survivors and their loved ones file a Philip Foglietta Poly Prep lawsuit.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be able to take legal action. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How to File a Philip Foglietta Lawsuit for Sexual Assault
While a Philip Foglietta lawsuit for sexual assault can’t take away the pain you’ve experienced, it may allow you to move forward from this painful chapter in your life.
Our lawyers can handle every step of the legal process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on what truly matters — healing and rebuilding your life.
Steps to filing a Philip Foglietta lawsuit include:
If a settlement is unable to be reached, we’re prepared to be your voice in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Help Holding Poly Prep Accountable
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones seek justice for the harm they’ve experienced.
Our attorneys have the skills and resources needed to stand up to powerful institutions like Poly Prep and demand they be held accountable.
Find out how our firm stands out from the rest:
- Over 45 years of experience helping those injured through no fault of their own
- No upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our team
- Thousands of families helped across all 50 states
- More than $9.6 Billion secured for our clients
Let Sokolove Law fight for you. Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to see if you may be eligible for a Philip Foglietta lawsuit.
Philip Foglietta & Poly Prep Abuse Scandal FAQs
What are the abuse allegations at Poly Prep?
Philip Foglietta, a former football coach and gym teacher at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, is accused of sexually abusing students from 1966 until his retirement in 1991.
Survivors allege that Poly Prep covered up the abuse and threatened to expel students who spoke out about Foglietta’s behavior.
If you or a loved one was harmed by Philip Foglietta, you may be able to seek justice by filing a lawsuit against Poly Prep. Find out if you qualify now.
How much does it cost to file a Philip Foglietta sexual abuse lawsuit?
When you work with Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to file a Philip Foglietta sexual abuse lawsuit.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we successfully secure compensation for you.
