Caught On Video: Fight Between High School Coaches
A bloodied face and a resignation: these are the end results of a fight between two high school coaches in Alabama on Friday, during the first football game of the season between Walker High School and Cullman High School. Mail Online reports that a fight erupted between Head Coach John Holladay (Walker) and Defensive Coordinator Matt Hooper (Cullman), leaving both men bloodied and bruised after throwing punches and wrestling each other (watch the video here).
The brawl occurred right after the game, with Cullman scoring a game-winning touchdown, beating Walker 13-10 with 18 seconds left on the clock. As the teams were exiting the field the two coaches exchanged blows. Jasper Police are still investigating the cause of the brawl.
In a recent development, Fox-WBRC reveals that John Holladay has resigned, after being placed on indefinite leave. Jasper City Schools Superintendent Ron Sparkman confirmed Tuesday that Holladay had opted to resign as a Walker High School coach. However, Holladay may continue to work as a teacher for the school, though it is not clear if he intended to do so.
Cullman School officials initially disclosed that there will be no disciplinary action meted out to the coach or players, with Cullman Board of Education President Suzanne Harbin saying, "Our superintendent, Dr. (Doreen) Griffeth was at the game, I talked to her and I understand there is no need to reprimand our coaches and players, that they acted with class and dignity during the situation,' Harbin said in a statement to the Cullman Times.
Jasper Police are still gathering evidence and are interviewing witnesses to determine if there is a need to press charges. At this time, both high schools are still allowed to play football this weekend, according to an Alabama High School Athletics Association (AHSAA) spokesman.
The brawl between the two coaches is a disappointing incident, according to AHSAA executive director Steve Savarese. In a statement released Tuesday, he said "The AHSAA is always disappointed by any unsportsmanlike incident that involves players or coaches from our member schools. Our coaches are teachers first, and must demonstrate examples of good sportsmanship at all times. "
The AHSAA is launching its own investigation into the fight, with the video of the brawl surely among the evidence the organization will consider.