Wellington Football League Remains Under Investigation Following Apparent Mishandling Of Antisemitic Incident…
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
WELLINGTON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The investigation into the alleged antisemitic incident involving the Western Communities Football League continues, with a senior public official slamming the league and telling its leaders that they need to craft a plan to ensure that parents and participants understand that anti-Semitic behavior is unacceptable.
Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone, and Wellington Village Attorney Laurie Cohen, both told leadership of WCFL that the league is being monitored and must improve its operation.
BocaNewsNow.com obtained a letter sent by Mayor Napoleone to the leadership of the flag football league:
“I am writing to address a deeply troubling incident that occurred during a recent WCFL flag football game, where an antisemitic slur was directed at a volunteer coach. Such hateful behavior is completely unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to the values of respect, inclusivity, and sportsmanship that Wellington upholds. I urge the WCFL to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism and all forms of discrimination within its programs. This policy should include:
1. Immediate consequences for any participant, coach, or spectator engaging in discriminatory behavior. 2. Education and training on respect, fairness, and inclusivity for all league participants. 3. Clear reporting and enforcement mechanisms to ensure swift action when incidents occur.
Sports should unite our community, not divide it. By taking a firm stance against hate, WCFL can set a powerful example and reinforce the message that antisemitism and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in Wellington.”
As we first reported, a parent watching a league game at Wellington’s Pierson Park allegedly screamed at volunteer coach and Boca Raton resident Michael Servetnick: “GO EAT A BAGEL.” When questioned, the man then screamed, “SHUT UP YOU BAGEL EATING JEW.”
Instead of immediately ejecting the parent, league officials ejected and suspended Servetnick — claiming he violated league rules by confronting the alleged anti-Semite. It took several days before the parent screaming the slur was suspended. An attorney claiming to represent Western Communities Football League then threatened BocaNewsNow.com for reporting on the incident.
BocaNewsNow.com has learned that several investigations continue into leadership of the league which could be banned from several public park locations. League leadership includes: President Josh Zillmer, Vice President Marc Bongiovi, Second VP Hunter Mandrodt, Third VP Chris Wilson, Treasurer Tia Cearley, and Secretary Amy Gerlitz. The league lists “The Fellowship of Christian Athletes,” “At Your Service,” “Dick’s Sporting Goods,” “Investors Realty,’ “Paint Lux,” and “Zillmer Wealth” as sponsors.
