During a recent high school football game between Jesuit Catholic and Tampa Catholic, a Jesuit assistant coach went viral for all the wrong reasons when a camera caught him striking a player with a bunch to the helmet as the player came off the field.
In the video, a player can be seen running off the field toward the sideline. As he approached the sideline, the unidentified coach met him and delivered a strong punch to the helmet of the unsuspecting player.
Former NFL player Kevin Hobbs shared the video on social media.
A coaches’ role extends beyond shaping young athletes into great football players; it's about molding them into exceptional individuals within our society. You should NEVER reach a point where you find it necessary to engage in this. #shameful pic.twitter.com/Vu23KFgrYa
— Kevin Hobbs (@KevinHobbs_DC) November 4, 2023
The coach, whom Jesuit High School president Fr. Richard C. Hermes identified as a “part-time assistant coach,” has since been fired.
“This behavior contradicts what the school stands for and is completely contrary to the expectations we have for coaches, moderators, and faculty members, who are to be role models for our students and mentors in their development as young men,” Hermes wrote in a letter to his school’s families addressing the incident.
This evening, Jesuit High School president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. sent the message below to the school's families regarding an incident that occurred this past Friday night during the Jesuit football game. #AMDG pic.twitter.com/XoFhZx7H9Q
— Jesuit Tigers Football (@JesuitTigers_FB) November 6, 2023
“We have reached out to the student, who was not injured in the incident, and to his family,” Hermes continued in his letter. “We have met with the coach and informed him that he will no longer be coaching Jesuit football or assisting the school in any other capacity.”
The incident quickly went viral on social media with people offering their reactions to the shocking antics.
Obviously this clown should be fired. But, he should also be arrested…. https://t.co/Lxkj5tCyiM
— Adam the Bull (@adamthebull) November 8, 2023
No questions asked on this one. You're done coaching for me. https://t.co/qL315Fw8f8
— Chris Fore (@chriscfore) November 5, 2023
This is child abuse. Literally criminal. https://t.co/Oyqcmi8wci
— Tim Kettenring (@timkettenring) November 5, 2023
Should never be allowed to coach another down again https://t.co/BehDjkQUIT
— Deerick Smith (@coachdeesmith) November 4, 2023
This Jesuit football coach lost his mind and he was fired. https://t.co/Lv3hA6UZW1
— Steph0928 (@Stephers2807) November 6, 2023
As the AD or Principal and you see this happen, do you immediately go to the sideline and remove the coach or wait until after the game?
Me, I go immediately and calmly remove the coach.
Same thing as if a teacher hit a student in the classroom. https://t.co/rvZ7h1XyL4
— Kretz Files (@CoachRonKretz) November 5, 2023
It’s safe to say the coach got a lot of criticism for his actions.
[Kevin Hobbs], Jesuit Tigers Football]
