UHSAA Reviews Film, Upholds Ejection of FB Player for Kicking

If Logan is to keep its undefeated season and Class 4A state title hopes afloat, it will need to do so without star quarterback Chase Nelson.

The Grizzlies will be without Nelson in their upcoming 4A quarterfinal game against Olympus on Friday following Nelson's ejection in the second quarter of Logan's 22-17 first-round win over Bountiful on Nov. 1.

Nelson was ejected for allegedly kicking a Bountiful defender who had him wrapped up in the end zone.

And as written into the Utah High School Activities Association handbook, a player cannot appeal an ejection, thus leaving Nelson suspended for Friday's game against Olympus.

While UHSAA officials did review the footage, associate director Bart Thompson said, "we'll never question the official in the case of a player being ejected."

"There have been times when ejections are overturned," Thompson said, "but they're always overturned by the official or officials who made the call."

On page 53 of the handbook, under chapter four of UHSAA administrative policies and guidelines, it is written that "any coach, player or bench personnel ejected by an official shall be suspended from the next regularly scheduled game at that level of play."

Nelson will be prohibited from being in uniform and warming up with the team and will not be introduced while serving the suspension. He'll also have to complete an online course for sportsmanship through the National Federation of State High School Associations.

In bold, all-caps letter, it states "players may not appeal an ejection."

"I've watched the film probably 100 times today," Thompson said. "It happens really quickly. ... The one thing on film I did see is there was absolutely no hesitation by both officials to throw the flag."

But according to Logan coach Mike Favero, Nelson suffered a strained, bruised and partially torn MCL on the play that resulted in Nelson's ejection. Favero said Nelson and the team have consulted a specialist, adding they concluded it was a medical reaction to instantaneous pain.

"What the state has done with this process is disgusting," Favero said. "It's a neurological response to pain. It's on the video, supported through an MRI. The UHSAA has ignored it. ... If a young man is penalized further for a physiological and neurological reaction to an injury and is suspended a game for it, it will be the most unjust decision possible."

Nelson has thrown for 3,150 yards and 42 touchdowns and has rushed for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns through 11 games. Nelson broke the record for most accumulative yards in a game with 691 in a 49-38 win over Roy on Sept. 20. -- Playoff schedule Class 5AFriday's quarterfinals3 p.m. Alta at Lone Peak4 p.m. Pleasant Grove at Jordan5 p.m. Brighton at Herriman5 p.m. Riverton at BinghamClass 4AFriday's quarterfinals3 p.m. Olympus at Logan3:30 p.m. Corner Canyon at East3:30 p.m. Sky View at Timpview4 p.m. Salem Hills at Woods CrossClass 3AAFriday's quarterfinals4 p.m. Snow Canyon at Juan Diego5 p.m. Cedar City at Dixie5 p.m. Desert Hills at Stansbury5 p.m. Hurricane at Pine ViewClass 3AFriday's semifinalat Southern Utah University4 p.m. Juab vs. JudgeSaturday's semifinalat Southern Utah University4 p.m. Morgan vs. MantiClass 2ASaturday's semifinalsat Southern Utah University11 a.m. Grand County vs. North Summit1:30 p.m. South Summit vs. BeaverClass 1A Friday's semifinalsat Southern Utah University11 a.m. Diamond Ranch vs. Duchesne1:30 p.m. Rich vs. Kanab