Diocese Has Put Rooney on Leave

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has placed Athletic Director Dudley Rooney of Alemany High on paid administrative leave in the wake of the disclosure that Darryl McDonald, former basketball coach, is a convicted sex offender.

Rev. Gregory Coiro, a spokesman for the Archdiocese, on Friday said Rooney was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the responsibility of the athletic director with regard to background checks for walk-on coaches.

Rooney has been Alemany’s athletic director for 16 years, girls’ softball coach for 17 years and a teacher at the school for 22 years.

Ironically, the person who has begun handling some of Rooney’s athletic responsibilities is Melissa Hearlihy, girls’ basketball coach, who the Archdiocese attempted to fire two years ago after a complaint from a parent. Support from parents and community members helped Hearlihy retain her position.

McDonald slipped through legally required criminal background checks and was allowed to coach at Alemany as well as work with youths at a YMCA.

McDonald is no longer coaching at Alemany. His contract was not renewed.

Rev. Jim Anguiano, principal at Alemany, declined comment, saying any information must come from the Archdiocese. Anguiano said he was “supporting [Rooney] to the best of my ability.”

Rooney said he does not know when or if he will be allowed to return to Alemany.