Northwest head football coach Mark Maradei was reinstated to his duties Tuesday afternoon, following an alleged altercation with a player during a practice last week.

"We took this whole process very seriously, especially how it impacted our kids," Athletic Director Jim Tapley said. "A thorough investigation was done. The principal wanted to make a thoughtful, responsible decision. She waited until she had all the facts and had talked to a number of people."

Maradei had been removed from his duties for a week, following an allegation of "pushing or shoving" a player, said Montgomery County Public Schools spokeswoman Kate Harrison.

Tapley said that the game Maradei sat out while under investigation, Thursday's 40-26 win over Bethesda-Chevy Chase, will take the place of any disciplinary action.

Montgomery County Police are not investigating the incident, said spokeswoman Officer Melanie Brenner.

Maradei could not immediately be reached for comment. Tapley said he announced his reinstatement to the team following a meeting with principal Lance Dempsey and Tapley at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"The coach has served his one-game suspension, and we are moving forward now," Tapley said. "He is back in charge of the team as head football coach, and we are expecting positive things for the program."

The coach's reinstatement was the outcome of a week-long investigation conducted by Dempsey, with assistance from Tapley and Assistant Principal Tim Britton. Tapley said the staff interviewed players and parents before coming to a decision.

Several team parents interviewed during the week expressed support for the coach.

"He's a good guy," said Christopher Woods Sr., father of senior defensive lineman Christopher Woods Jr. "He bonded with them in the short time he's been at the school. I don't have anything bad to say about him.

"He's a tough coach and he expects the best out of everyone," Woods added.

Maradei is in his first year at Northwest, having taken over from Andrew Fields, who left to take an administrative position. An assistant coach in the county for several years, he spent the last three seasons as head coach at Rockville High School, compiling a record of 17-14 during that time and guiding the Rams to the Class 2A state playoffs in 2007.

It has been a trying year in and around the Northwest football program. It began in April, when rising senior linebacker David Katembwe committed armed robbery. He has since been convicted and is currently imprisoned.

Shiane Dixon, 12, was killed in a car crash June 29. Dixon was a track and field athlete and the younger sister of senior running back Hassan Dixon. Just over a week later, on July 6, sophomore defensive back Edwin "Dek" Miller died after collapsing during a conditioning session four days earlier.

"After all this team has been through already," said Northwest Booster Club President Kelly Cameron. "I hope they can move forward now."