An Atlanta high school football coach has been arrested after allegedly punching and shoving an opposing player during a mass confrontation at a game in Georgia.
Emardre Brown, a staff member with Therrell High School’s football team, was detained after the clash with Temple High School players at Tiger Stadium in Temple on Friday, September 11.
The game, which Temple won 41-6, descended into a fight after a facemask penalty early in the contest. Players and coaches from both teams ran on to the field as the confrontation spread.
Coach charged after football game fight
Temple police said two students were assaulted during the incident. Investigators allege that Brown shoved and punched one player, with his fist making contact through the athlete’s helmet facemask.
The player’s parents took him to an urgent-care centre for assessment and made a criminal complaint, according to police. Investigators are also reviewing mobile-phone footage recorded by spectators and said further charges could follow.
Brown was booked into the Carroll County Jail on charges including felony first-degree cruelty to children, battery and simple assault. He was later released on a $2,500 bond.
Detective Corporal Andrew Mitchell of the Temple Police Department said coaches were expected to separate players and prevent a fight from escalating.
“Sportsmanship between the players and how infractions are handled getting the people apart, separating of parties trying to fight would be expected,” he said.
Atlanta Public Schools response
Atlanta Public Schools said it was aware of the allegations and described Brown as a lay coach. The district declined to comment on his employment status while the police investigation continues.
It said student safety remained its highest priority. The Carroll County School System added that Temple High School and the district were not involved in the law-enforcement action but were co-operating with investigators.
