A Florida high school football assistant coach was fired after he was seen on video punching one of his own team’s teenage players in the middle of last Friday night’s game.
The coach, who has not yet been identified, was fired after video of the shocking incident was posted by former NFL player Kevin Hobbs to X went viral.
The player for Tampa-area Jesuit High School – a private Catholic school – appears to be running off to the sidelines, as the team attempts to complete a late substitution.
As he reaches the sidelines, the assistant coach clearly punches the boy in the helmet.
‘A coaches’ role extends beyond shaping young athletes into great football players; it’s about molding them into exceptional individuals within our society. You should NEVER reach a point where you find it necessary to engage in this,’ Hobbs wrote.
A Florida high school football assistant coach was fired after he was seen on video punching one of his own team’s teenage players in the middle of last Friday night’s game
As the video – which Hobbs punctuated by writing ‘#shameful’ – continues, the coach continues to walk over and yell at the student for several seconds.
The coach then leaves the player wearing number 94 and starts yelling at another group of players who were about to substitute on the field.
The punch took place during a heated rivalry game between Jesuit High School and Tampa Catholic, which Jesuit won 66-35.
Jesuit Coach Matt Thompson would not comment on the incident when asked about it after the game, only telling reporters ‘the matter is being addressed,’ according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The coach is a part-time employee of the school and was let go by the team in the wake of the incident on Sunday night.
Jesuit High School President Reverend Richard Hermes explained the incident in communication with parents and families who attend.
The coach’s ‘behavior contradicts what the school stands for and is completely contrary to the expectations we have for coaches, moderators, and faculty members, who are to be role models for our students and mentors in their development as young men,’ Hermes wrote.
The school noted that the player was not injured and the student and the family have been in contact with the school since the incident.
The player for Tampa-area Jesuit High School – a private Catholic school – appears to be running off to the sidelines, as the team attempts to complete a late substitution
‘We have met with the coach and informed him that he will no longer be coaching Jesuit football or assisting the school in any other capacity,’ Hermes added.
‘The mission of Jesuit is to provide a Christian formation and education for our students.’
‘This requires that we maintain an environment for them that is safe, supportive, and conducive to their well-being and growth. This standard applies to all activities, inside and outside the classroom.’
He finished the letter by saying the school will conduct a full review of internal procedures and staff training.
It’s unclear if the coach faces any potential legal action stemming from the punch.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
