Former MLS coach faces spanking, dehydration allegations

According to court documents in the wrongful termination lawsuit of former Philadelphia Union head manager Peter Nowak, the coach engaged in hazing by spanking rookies, pushing players to run 10 miles without water and brushing off concussion concerns.

The allegation against Nowak also include hazing that entailed singing, dancing and paddling of rookies and that he had gotten preapproval from the team’s former president, Tom Veit, and former chief executive Nick Sakiewicz. Nowak also required players to run 10 miles in 80-degree weather without water and swept concussions under the rug.

"Nowak created an environment where players felt the need to hide or mask concussions," Philadelphia Union team lawyers wrote in the documents. "Indeed, the record evidence established that Nowak vilified players who suffered from concussion symptoms."

At no point in the court documents does Nowak deny the allegations.

Nowak, who who was fired in June 2012, was under contract through 2015 and sued the team a month later. 

In three seasons as manager of the Union, Nowak went 21-30-24.