Refs Who Walked Amid HS Player Protests Seek Return

Paul Steinbach Headshot

An emergency hearing was scheduled for today by the Central Jersey Chapter of the New Jersey Football Officials Association to review the conduct of Ernie Lunardelli, the high school football official who walked off the field along with his son after four Monroe High School players kneeled during the national anthem at a game Friday night. Lundardelli, who subsequently was removed from his three remaining officiating assignments this season, seeks reinstatement and is prepared to take legal action, if necessary.

“Anybody that disrespects the flag, in my eyes, it’s not right,” said the elder Lunardelli, in his 18th season as a prep football official, according to mycentraljersey.com. “What they are doing with this kneeling and everything, they have the right do to that, but the national anthem has nothing to do with them kneeling. The flag has got nothing to do with why they are protesting. If they want to protest, let them protest, but don’t disrespect our country, the flag and the armed forces.”

Log in to view the full article
Page 1 of 386
Next Page
AB Show 2025 in San Diego
AB Show is a solution-focused event for athletics, fitness, recreation and military professionals.
Nov. 5-8, 2025
Learn More
AB Show 2025
Buyer's Guide
Information on more than 3,000 companies, sorted by category. Listings are updated daily.
Learn More
Buyer's Guide