Tony Reis was fired Wednesday morning after making a racially insensitive remark to Martha’s Vineyard coach Rodrigo Honorato in the first half of their Cape & Islands match.
Tony was a Rising Tide Charter boys’ soccer coach, and Rising Tide head of school Michael O’Keefe confirmed to the Globe that the first-year coach had been dismissed.
Tony Reis had embarked on a new challenge as the first-year head coach of the Rising Tide Charter boys’ soccer team.
He is no stranger to sidelines, having previously led the Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ soccer team. He took over the program from Dave Leahy, who stepped down after four seasons due to a work commitment.
Before that, he spent six seasons as the head coach at Upper Cape Regional Vocational Technical School. His teams won three league championships and qualified for the MIAA state tournament every single year.
Tony is a lifelong soccer enthusiast, and his own playing journey began on the fields of Taunton High School. His experience as both a player and a successful coach makes him an exciting new leader.
Moreover, he owns a soccer academy down the Cape.
Coach Reis has a passion and love for the game of soccer. His success speaks for itself, but his view of the role of athletics in a student’s life is what excites me about having him joining our staff.
W-H athletic director Bob Rodgers
Tony Reis Was Fired After a Racially Insensitive Remark
Martha’s Vineyard’s 7-1 soccer victory over Rising Tide Charter on Tuesday was overshadowed by an incident that led to the dismissal of a coach.
Tony Reis, the first-year varsity boys’ soccer coach at Rising Tide, was fired Wednesday morning after making a racially insensitive remark during the game.
The racial comment was directed at Martha’s Vineyard coach Rodrigo Honorato in the first half of their Cape & Islands league match.
The specifics of the remark have not been publicly disclosed, but the consequences were immediate and severe.
Rising Tide’s head of school, Michael O’Keefe, confirmed the dismissal to the Boston Globe.
He expressed, “Reis had engaged in unacceptable behavior unbecoming of a staff member at Rising Tide.“
The school’s decision underscores a clear policy of holding staff accountable for their conduct, emphasizing that respect and inclusivity are non-negotiable values.
This incident is a stark reminder that words carry significant weight, especially in educational and athletic environments where coaches are expected to model sportsmanship and respect for all participants.
Rising Tide Charter School’s swift action demonstrates a commitment to upholding these standards and maintaining a safe and respectful climate for its students and all members of the community.
