Spokane Empire assistant coach apologizes for false claims about being stunt double for ‘The Rock’

Spokane Empire defensive coordinator Ameer Ismail admitted he did not serve as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s stunt double for the “Baywatch” movie.

Ismail said he applied for the job several months ago and was told he would likely be needed in June. He mentioned the possibility before the season to head coach Adam Shackleford, who gave approval for Ismail’s absence at the Spokane-Billings game June 4th. It turned out Ismail wasn’t hired for the movie and he said the June weekend ended up becoming his wedding date.

Tanoai Reed, the Rock’s cousin and stunt double since 2002, and some of Reed’s friends called out Ismail on social media after the assistant coach claimed he filmed scenes as The Rock’s stunt double in an article published in The Spokesman-Review last week.

“When it fell through, it wasn’t right for me to maintain that story,” Ismail said. “I apologize to the newspaper and my team and the (Empire) organization. I’ve communicated with the stunt man (Reed) and his friend.

“No excuses. I take full responsibility and hopefully people can find it in their hearts to forgive me.”

Said Shackleford: “Ameer is like a son to me, as all my (former) players become as I get older in this profession. He was in a bad spot and made a mistake. I’m glad he cleared the air so we can get back to trying to win a championship for this great city.”

The story has been removed from www.spokesman.com.