The funny thing about this situation is that I too was on the field (Oak Ridge's) after the game. I have an intern working for The Knoxville News Sentinel. It is vital for everyone to know that key fact because I am not writing from the perspective of a parent, team-member, alumni, teacher, etc. I was a witness Friday night to the events after the game, and I'm simply (in a non bias forum) writing in response to those events. As to the YouTube video, me and my crew on working on posting that now, ALSO, I have just been informed that the Sentinel is interested in investigating this story more and writing a story on the classless act of high school football. This is what you will see in the video and possibly (but not yet confirmed) story in the Sentinel,
THE FACTS:
- After the game, some Clinton players (obviously upset and exhausted) were trying to "skip" the shaking hands of their opponents
- A young, assistant (Clinton) coach quickly saw this and ushered his players to get in line and shake hands.
- At some point, an opposing coach (whom I was later told was Coach Stevens), broke through by PUSHING students and players, just to get into the middle of that same assistant coach and players
- Coach Stevens then PUSHED the assistant coach from Clinton, and said "Get the F*** Off MY field ... !!!"
- The assistant coach from Clinton threw his hands up, NOT touching Coach Stevens at all.
- Pressing Charges (on Coach Stevens) has been considered, but will not be done
- Coach Stevens was QUOTED on a radio program calling Clinton "thugs"
- Administration gave students permission to be on the field, after the game.
- "The Voice" of Oak Ridge called Clinton today (Sunday) and apologized for the innocent.
There will be a video on YouTube shortly, so, everyone will be able to see the incident for themselves. But like Ole Dad has said, there is a video, but the video we have at the station does not have sound (on the field). Like I said before, I could careless who won the game Friday (I'm from Lexington doing an internship for The Knoxville News Sentinel), so, my account is un bias, just the facts stated and delivered. It is up to the reader to make their opinions based off facts alone.
- News Maker
