CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WHDH) -- A Pop Warner football coach was arrested for what he was allegedly doing off the field.

Shane McCarthy, 24, was arrested at his Cambridge home and charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and having a loaded machine gun -- which was inside a safe in McCarthy’s bedroom.

Parents were stunned.

“I don’t really know what the story was, but it ain’t cool,” said one parent.

Immediately following McCarthy’s arrest last Thursday, Cambridge Pop Warner dismissed the coach. The league president said McCarthy was given background checks before he was hired and had no priors.

Most parents defended the coach.

“He’s a really nice guy. The kids really respect him. He’s really good with the kids. I was just shocked when I heard it,” said Latiesha, a parent.

Last year McCarthy was the freshman football coach with Cambridge Public Schools, but he is no longer affiliated with the district.

Parents seemed to respect McCarthy, but they said after the arrest they’re not sure that’s the type of person they want around their kids.

“He’s a good guy from what I know of him,” said Tyson Balling, a parent and former coach. “I guess things happen. It’s just really unfortunate to have this happen and be in the position that he’s in because it really does set a bad example for the children and that’s unfortunate.”

McCarthy’s bail was set at $50,000.