The Florida High School Athletic Association plans on contacting
administrators from Palmetto and Tarpon Springs East Lake in regards to a small scrum that broke out following Friday's Class 7A-Region 3 playoff game.
An East Lake parent alleged on
The Herald’s Facebook page and website that a Palmetto coach struck an Eagles
player during the scuffle, and also sent the same letter to two different editors at The Herald.
The confrontation ended quickly and the teams did not shake hands.
Palmetto huddled on its sideline after the game while the Eagles gathered under
a goal post in one of end zones following the Eagles' 13-12 win.
"As of now, we haven't seen the game film. We're communicating with
both schools," said Justin Harrison, the FHSAA's executive director of
athletic services whose responsibilities include overseeing the
conduct of coaches and players. "Whenever allegations come in of the
sincerest nature, we always take a look to see what happened."
Harrison said he received an email from someone over at East Lake regarding the incident, but no official report had been filed. He also said he plans on
speaking with the game's officiating crew.
Matt Braselton, a Palmetto assistant, responded to the claim by commenting on The Herald's page that "not ONE PHS coach threw any punches and allegations like that are not needed...it needs to be made clear coaches from both sides broke up a small
scuffle that broke out after a late hit. No coaches threw any punches
at any players, bottom line."
Palmetto athletic director Kenny Ansbro said he hadn't heard anything from the FHSAA as of 5:15 p.m. Monday. Ansbro, who watched the game from
Palmetto's sideline, said he didn't see any of the Tigers' coaches strike any
East Lake players.
"I don't know where that came from," Ansbro said.
"The referees, the coaches, they made everybody get back and that was it...It was quick."
Ansbro said the decision not to shake hands was mutual between the teams, adding the
East Lake coaches were "very respectful."
Palmetto stayed 45 minutes
after the game while the players ate their postgame meal, Ansbro added.
"The kids ate right there," Ansbro said. "Don't you think
someone from their staff would have said something (if a coach hit a player)?"
Ruth Riel, East Lake's athletic director and assistant principal, said
Monday afternoon she was still trying to gather information and declined
further comment.
Bob Hudson, the Eagles' head football coach, did not respond to a phone call
requesting comment Monday afternoon.
The Eagles (11-0) host Largo Pinellas Park on Friday in a Class 7A-Region 3
semifinal.
Monday, November 18, 2013
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