The Alabama High School Athletic Association suspended Carroll High School head football coach Steve McLendon for two games and fined the school following an investigation into a brawl that occurred at last week’s game.
According to The Messenger, last week’s game between Carroll and Andalusia High School was interrupted when a fight broke out on the field. What began as a small altercation between two players quickly ballooned, including multiple student-athletes. McLendon, the first-year head coach at Carroll, rushed to the field to break up the fight, but video shows the coach pushing and shoving some Andalusia players in the process. This action prompted the AHSAA’s investigation into McLendon’s conduct during the fight.
Following an investigation, the AHSAA fined Carroll High School $1,000 and suspended McLendon for two games. Assistant coach Darryl Watts will serve as the interim head coach for the next two weeks.
As the head coach, I take full responsibility for our performance and our actions,” said McLendon, also a former NFL player for the Steelers, Jets and Buccaneers. “I’m making sure our young men are prepared to compete at the level we expect and carry ourselves with class. While the loss was disappointing, I truly believe adversity reveals character. We will learn from it, make the necessary adjustments and move forward with purpose. My belief in these young men and the direction of this program has not changed. Our standard remains high and our focus now is on how we respond this week — on the field, in the classroom and as young men.”
Carroll High School principal Will Cammack told The Messenger that the school has appealed the AHSAA’s decision. However, Carroll High School staff also fully cooperated with the investigation, providing witness statements and videos of the incident.
“From the beginning, Carroll High School has supported Coach McLendon through this process and we will start the appeal process,” he said. “With the AHSAA’s review now complete, our focus is also on moving forward and supporting our students, coaches and community in a positive manner.”
