The Georgia High School Association announced Monday that 39 Gainesville players have been suspended from this week’s Class 5A quarterfinal matchup against Langston Hughes after a fight late in the third quarter of Gainesville’s game against Brunswick. The school was also fined $5,000.
Gainesville has requested to appeal the decision in a virtual hearing before the GHSA Board of Trustees on Tuesday.
The altercation occurred with less than two minutes left in the third quarter as Gainesville was running away from the game. The score was 42-0. Video posted on social media shows players from both sides running towards midfield before punches are thrown, with dozens of people joining the melee. The referee immediately called off the game, and it never ended.
It is unclear what led to the fight.
Gainesville, known for its impressive postseason performances, now faces the prospect of entering Friday’s quarterfinals with a significantly reduced roster unless its appeal is successful.
Read full GHSA details below:
Friday night’s second-round Class 5A playoff matchup between Gainesville and Brunswick took an unfortunate turn when a fight broke out late in the third quarter. After reviewing the incident, the GHSA announced that 39 Gainesville players have been suspended for this week’s state quarterfinal game with a $5,000 fine. Gainesville faces Langston Hughes this Friday. The Red Elephants have requested to appeal Tuesday’s decision virtually before the GHSA Board of Trustees.
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