Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
In recent days, a video has surfaced showing what appears to be a Taylor County High School (TCHS) coach attempting to set a Madison County Central School jersey on fire in the hallways of TCHS, in Perry. This incident is believed to have occurred on Friday, May 21, the same day as the Spring Jamboree football game in which a fight broke out between players from TCHS and Madison County High School (MCHS) early in the game between the two schools. This fight resulted in several players, as well as coaches, from both schools facing sanctions from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). The fight also resulted in a hefty fine and other punishments being levied against TCHS.
It is unclear whether the actions of the coach contributed to the fight in any way. “This is very disturbing to see,” said MCHS Principal Charles Finley. “It’s extremely unfortunate that this appears to have happened leading up to our game.”
“I am both shocked and aghast with the behavior displayed in this video and will be investigating it further,” said TCHS Principal Heather McCoy when the video was brought to her attention. “Once my investigation is concluded I will have further comment.” In a letter sent to Greene Publishing, Inc., Principal McCoy went on to say, “While I do not know if the symbolic burning of the jersey in any way contributed to the actions of our program later that night, as principal of Taylor County High School, this is an action which we will not condone, nor stand for.” The full text of Principal McCoy's letter can be read on page five of today's Madison Enterprise-Recorder.
The full video can be seen at www.greenepublishing.com.