Shameful behavior!

This letter was sent to Georgia State School Superintendent Cathy Cox and to The Forest-Blade.

DEAR MS. COX:

I am writing to let you know how appalled I was at the circumstances surrounding the ECI-Dooly Co. football game last night. First of all, I've never witnessed a team (Dooly) play such dirty football. It was clear early on that if they could not win the game, they would hurt as many players as possible. Illegal chop blocks, illegal grabbing the face mask-- I'm very surprised no ECI players were seriously injured. I would also not be surprised to hear there were at least 8-10 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties called against Dooly County.

Then, with less than a minute left in the game, with ECI about to score another touchdown, Dooly received another flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. Before the official could even mark off the penalty, a Dooly player picked up the flag and threw it back at him, at which time another official threw a flag for that unsportsmanlike conduct, only to have another Dooly player pick it and throw it back at him. The officials, who are to be commended by the way, took appropriate actions. They instructed the ECI players to leave the field, and even though there was about 45 seconds left in the game, the officials ended the game.

At this point, the Dooly County players would not leave the field as they were instructed by the officials. State Patrol officers, Emanuel County deputies, and local police had to intervene, and the Dooly players still would not leave. Instead, they stood on the field in front of the ECI fans in the stands, and made obscene gestures towards the fans. Even when the Dooly players finally left the field, they congregated in the end zone. The ECI players and fans were not given the opportunity to celebrate their victory, as was certainly due them.

Ms. Cox, I've never seen such behavior from a football team in my entire life. Their actions on the field, and more importantly their actions after the game were not only unsportsmanlike, but downright appalling. The Dooly County players should be ashamed of themselves. The Dooly County coaches should be ashamed for not controlling their players, and if the Dooly County school system doesn't take appropriate actions, then they, too, should be ashamed.

I think their coaches should be reprimanded, I think their entire team should be suspended, and I believe sanctions should be taken against the Dooly County football program. They should not be allowed to participate in the state playoffs for the next two years, in my opinion. I also think an apology to the ECI players and fans should be printed in the The Forest-Blade (our local newspaper).

I would think, as State School Superintendent, that you would not allow their actions to go unpunished. I'm curious to see how this situation will be handled. I think you're doing a great job. Hopefully, you will do so in this situation. MIKE RIDGDILL Twin City

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Relay for Marie	1
Seedling Garden Club holds auction	1
Good teachers make a difference	1