SYFA coach busted for possession

A Slidell man who coaches for the Slidell Youth Football Association was issued a summons Sunday for possession of marijuana, according to the Slidell police.

Glen P. Ryan, 47, 147 Francis St., coached the Tigers team in Division 1 of the SYFA. Division 1 is made up of players 7 to 8 years old.

Ryan was also secretary on the SYFA Board of Directors.

Slidell police spokesman Capt. Kevin Foltz said the SYFA Board of Directors was meeting Sunday at the Terrace Avenue fields to discuss the playoffs for the upcoming Super Bowl on Nov. 15 when Ryan got up to talk.

While he was talking, a board member noticed that a marijuana joint, or cigarette, had fallen out of Ryan’s pocket.

The board called the police, and when they arrived, Ryan was issued a summons for possession of marijuana.

John Griffin Jr., SYFA president, confirmed that Ryan was busted at the meeting.

“He is no longer a part of the organization,” Griffin said. “Immediately after the event unfolded, he was suspended indefinitely.”

Griffin added that Ryan will not be allowed to coach in any SYFA event and will no longer represent the organization.

“Slidell Youth Football Association is a drug-free organization,” Griffin said. “We will not tolerate any drug affiliation, (using selling or possession) by any parent, child, patron or park representative.”

Foltz said if Ryan is convicted, he could face six months in the Slidell jail or a $500 fine or both.