High school basketball coach denies involvement in dog fighting

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh-area high school basketball coach is denying claims that he’s involved in an illegal dog fighting ring.

Channel 11 News obtained the search warrant and talked with Nick Lackovich’s attorney Steve Colafella, who calls the allegations outrageous.

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According to Colafella, they requested the search warrant be unsealed because they have nothing to hide.

“Nick is extremely offended and upset by the suggestion that he would be involved in something like that,” Colafella said.

According to the affidavit, a source told law enforcement that Lackovich keeps fighting dogs at his property on Scott Street, about a 15-minute drive from his home.

“That’s an old family farm property up there where he keeps the dogs,” Colafella said.

The investigator, a state trooper, said he observed metal dog kennels and heavy chains at a red sided house in bad condition.

But Colafella defends the property.

“There was nothing of significance that was found on the property that would suggest that the dogs were being mistreated or being used to fight,” he said.

The affidavit also alleges that Lackovich has been viewed reading and being in possession of underground magazines related to dog fighting.

However, Colafella describes it as a hobby for Lackovich.

“He’s very involved with the breeding and the rearing of dogs,” Colafella said. “He’s had them for years.”

The superintendent of Aliquippa Schools tells Channel 11 News that since no charges have been filed, there is no action they can take. Lackovich is still employed as the boy’s head basketball coach.

As for his job as a parole officer, he’s currently on leave without pay.

Colafella said they hope to clear this up and get him back on the job soon.

WPXI