Football coach fired after player injured while boxing

BILLINGS – The Park High School football coach has been fired after a player was seriously injured while boxing during a “leadership camp” on Aug. 11.

Livingston Public Schools Superintendent Don Viegut says the school board voted 9-0 Thursday to fire Bruce Knerr as football coach and assistant track coach. Viegut said the district also uncovered inappropriate texts between coach and players.

Tim Peterson told the Billings Gazette that his 17-year-old son, Austin, underwent surgery in Spokane after suffering four fractures to his eye socket and one to his nasal cavity while boxing.

The Livingston Enterprise reports some players spoke on Knerr’s behalf Thursday and that he said the texting occurred during times when he was not considered an employee. He is not a teacher.

The Park High football team posted a 1-8 record in 2015.