Mendes Will Not Coach In Youth Football Program

Sharik Mendes will not be coaching a New Bedford Bears youth football team this fall.

Mendes has drug charges pending in Federal Court in Boston.

A judge had left open the possibility that Mendes might coach this upcoming season, but co-founder Danial Conceicao tells WBSM News he spoke with Mendes about the matter, and Mendes will not be returning.

"He kind of expected it. I told him, its a tough thing for me to do, but I can't sacrifice the program for any individual, no matter how close they are to me," said Conceicao.

Conceicao says he coached Mendes when he was in the program as a youngster. He says the National Pop Warner program would not allow Mendes to participate.

Mendes is charged with distributing heroin to a local drug dealer and is expected to plead guilty to drug-related charges in a case now pending in Federal Court. A plea hearing is set for September 13th.

Mendes is also the owner of the H.E.A.R.T Boxing Gym.