It's official: Eight Hawks suspended tonight

As expected, Armwood coach Sean Callahan announced this afternoon eight Hawks varsity players -- including starting quarterback Mywan Jackson -- would be suspended for tonight's showdown against Plant.

The other suspended starters: cornerback Justin Williams, strong safety Aaron Duncan, receiver Eric Gonzalez and kicker Taylor Williams. Backups Dykerius Cross (receiver), Nick Greene (defensive back) and Alex Soler (running back) also are out.

Callahan said the players, who skipped first period Thursday morning to go to breakfast at a nearby McDonald's, wouldn't be allowed in the stadium tonight.

"I'm very concerned about my football players and the game today is very important," Callahan said in a press conference at Armwood that drew two newspapers and five TV stations. "But it's not as important as the integrity of this program."

Callahan said he was notified by some team captains the players had left campus. He said he had heard the players also had left campus a couple of days earlier.

The captains "were very upset because like I said, this supposedly happened a couple days earlier," Callahan said. "I spoke to them Wednesday after practice and I even warned them I'd be checking. I feel like they directly challenged me on this."

Though three Hawks players told the Times on Thursday evening Callahan already had announced the suspensions, the 18th-year Hawks coach said today he didn't finalize his decision until meeting with the last of the players' parents earlier this afternoon.

"I really wanted to sleep on it because I was upset (Thursday)," Callahan said. "So I did tell the team in the meeting (Thursday) that it was clearly an option of mine that I might bench them the whole game.

Jackson's backup, 5-foot-11 junior receiver Rob Jones, will start tonight against the Panthers, the defending Class 4A state champs and the state's third-ranked 4A team.

"In our base plays, (Jones) is fine," Callahan said. "And we're built for this; we're a solid program. You're not going to see much of a dropoff.

Nonetheless, the suspensions, could have a great impact defensively.

Callahan has said in the preseason the Hawks' secondary is the one area where the team lacks depth. Plant junior quarterback Aaron Murray threw five touchdown passes in the first half of last week's preseason game at Wharton.

"That's probably my biggest concern right now," Callahan said.

"But I really believe the game will be won and lost up front. Our offensive line and defensive line are going to be what we're going to ride right now. So we tighten the game plan down and we're excited about the opportunity. In no way would we use this as an excuse."

Comments

[Plant fan]

I am a Plant Fan, now because of his integrity I am a fan of Armwood coach Sean Callahan. It's good to see a coach knows that schools are for a students education. That is what will get them through life.

Didn't think it would happen.....but good for the coach. I have a feeling they will still win the game...

I had my doubts, since we are all so into 'bending the rules.' I am glad to see there are coaches out there that realized the importance of rules and why they are put in place. Yes. this was a hard decision and as a football mom for many years, to do what he did, had to put a lump in his throat. I do understand the importance of this game for the players and coaches, but the sacrifice made will set the precedent for others not to follow.

[Pam]

Win or lose tonight I respect Armwoods coach. Touch decisions now may prevent NFL thugs in the future.

[Richard]

I applaud the Armwood coach for his decision. In the long run his decision is in the best interest of not only the player involved, but, also many other players, in all sports, at many schools for years to come. From a reader in Spokane, Washington State.

[Cade]

Gutsy call by Coach Callahan. You have to respect a guy like this. Lets hope his administrators stand by him if there's any backlash.

[ERica]

Too bad more coaches don't take the stand you did Coach Callahan GREAT JOB! As a Tarpon Sponger here in Pinellas County I completely and totally support and only wish that ALL ATHLETIC COACHES/MENTORS follow your lead! More kids would respect authority if we all banned together and cared more about the kids than a win!

[Anthony]

Coach, you are a man after my own heart. I am a former high school coach who has moved on to become a high school administrator. It is good to know coaches like you are still around. I wish that more coaches would realize that doing it the right way will take care of the wins and losses on and off the field. Coach Callahan I will not be surprised to see you and your team in Orlando playing for the State Championship in December.