Fenton still suspended; appeal could be decided before Plant game

UPDATE

Through attorneys, Jefferson football coach Mike Fenton appealed in writing Thursday a notice from the FHSAA that he'll have to serve a suspension due to his ejection from last week's game for unsporting conduct.

The Dragons (4-4, 2-0) face defending state champ Plant (7-1, 2-0) for the 4A 10 District title Friday. In hopes of being able to coach, Fenton and Morgan met Thursday with legal representation, whom sent a letter to the FHSAA notifying them of his right to an appeal.

As of mid-day Thursday, the FHSAA hadn't received Fenton's appeal, spokesman Robert Hernberger said. But Hernberger said it's possible a decision on the appeal could be decided before Friday's game with Plant.

"I know referees make their decison," Morgan said. "But a lot of times there are extenuating circumstances."

Fenton received more troubling news Wednesday when he received an anonymous letter with derogatory remarks. The letter, which Morgan handed over to the Tampa Police Department, could be considered hate mail. The return address said it was from Plant, but Morgan said anyone can write a return address. It was postmarked as being from Port Tampa.

Fenton's case isn't the only one Morgan is appealing. He said Wednesday he plans to fight the $1500 fine the FHSAA levied Monday that stemmed from the brawl during the Jefferson-Alonso JV game last month. Alonso was fined $1100 for its part in the brawl.

Morgan said the school identified those involved and they have  been disciplined through in-school suspensions. He said the FHSAA had identified nine Jefferson players through  tape of the incident, but Morgan wants the case reviewed again so there aren't any students inappropriately punished.

Joe Smith

Comments

So all these incidents and none of them are Jefferson’s fault?

Isn’t this a repeat problem with this coach? Didn’t he get throw out, the call a game from the parking garage roof?

Didn’t that JV team have a fight in their JV game with Plant’s JV the week before the Alonso game? Check on it.

All of these problems, repeat problems, but of course none of them are Jefferson’s, or the culture created by their coach’s fault.

[ecsouth]

this is all Jefferson MO (method of operation)..its just the way they do things. If their players starts a fight on the field and is kicked out, they say a name was called or used and blame it on the other player as the excuse..They cant just accept the fact one of their players lost control and threw a punch, it is always someone elses fault. keep lawyers out of high school sports. Fenton got busted for zero tolerance cursing, so he needs to take it like a man and sit out. He is only teaching his players that when they become adults, brake the rule's, then get a lawyer..!! (like Chris Rainey of lakeland) great, that is all we need is a new generation of litigious adults.

Let him coach. His player was temporarily paralyzed and he was upset b/c the official didn't throw the kid out that speared his player. Stupid, stupid rule.

Dude, your crazy. Rules are rules. Time for Fenton and Jefferson to man up and accept the one game suspension.

[Sue]

If Fenton is getting sidelined, how many of the Plant coaches and players are getting the same after last week's issue at Chamberlain? I know there were punishments handed down. I also know there was a lot of profanity used by the players and coaches....same thing Fenton is accused of doing. hmmmmm...

[ecsouth]

I think the rule is stupid. I think fining players and coaches 250.00 for getting ejected is stupid. we pay enough taxes to the city, and they get a chunk of the schools football gate receipts. It should be like basketball, 2nd tech and your out..but its not..fix the rule if you want, but it is the rule!! dont run off and get a lawyer.. lets eject everyone who curses, shows emotion..we will have to bring kids out of the stands to finish the game..I wonder if Bear Bryant, Barry Switzer, JIm Levitte, Woody Hayes every cursed. come on america and the MEDIA, turn off your microphones, you are worse for society than a curse word..Sticks and stones..remember those days? But keep lawyers out of it, just change the rule and teach kids to abide by the rules, not just walk away and appeal. change the RULE!!

[Tom]

Hey Sue, how many Chamberlain players/coaches would also be ejected???????? Can you let it rest? At least Plant players weren't trying to hurt anyone!