Conduct of coaches questioned in Texas referee incident

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The governing body for Texas high school sports questioned Wednesday whether the coaches of two football players accused of intentionally ramming a referee should have done more to calm emotions in a tense game.

The University Interscholastic League’s executive committee heard from local officials on their investigation into the incident involving San Antonio Jay High School. The organization is investigating several allegations, including that the hit was prompted by something an assistant coach said and was preceded by racial slurs from the targeted umpire.

The incident was caught on video and sparked national attention and reaction. Marble Falls beat Jay in Friday’s game, 15-9.

Two Jay High School players, who have not been identified, and assistant coach Mack Breed have been suspended by the Northside Independent School District pending the investigation.

Brian Woods, Northside schools superintendent said he wasn’t aware of previous concerns about a culture of unsportsmanlike conduct at Jay.

“We don’t have any reason to believe the actions of those two young men are representative of that program or the student body of that school,” Woods said.