Published: October 15, 2008 10:51 am         

Executive committee signs-off on schools disciplinary actions

One week after the Mabank Panthers and the Terrell Tigers got themselves in hot water with a fourth quarter brawl in their District 15-4A football game, the Executive Committee has ruled.

Neither team will have to forfeit the contest, which was won, 35-21, by Mabank, nor is it expected that either team will absorb any further disciplinary action from the UIL at the state level.

A total of nine players on the two teams did set out last Friday’s games.

Two Mabank players and seven Terrell players missed last week’s competition.

The District, through its executive chairman, Eli Melton of Forney, issued the following press release after the meeting:

“...The District Executive Committee from District 15-4A met on October 10,” the report said.

“There was a presentation from Terrell ISD and Mabank ISD concerning the events that occurred during and after the football game on Friday, Oct. 3 in Mabank.

“It was determined by the Committee that both schools had conducted a thorough and proper investigation of the events.

“The Committee voted unanimously (Terrell and Mabank abstaining) to accept both schools’ recommendations regarding disciplinary action.

This action includes a one-game suspension of seven Terrell athletes and two Mabank athletes.

A private reprimand was issued to both schools, not to be confused with a public reprimand.

A public reprimand would have required that events be published in the Leaguer, stating the violation found.

A public reprimand could have also included a probationary period of up three years...”

The Committee followed the Section 29 of the UIL Constitution in reaching its decision. which said, basically:

“A reprimand may be oral or in writing and shall not be published in the Leaguer...”

Mabank Superintendent Russell Marshall said he was pleased with the decision, saying it was the minimum punishment for such an event.

The suspended players from both teams return to action Friday night.

     

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