The mother of a Burleson (Texas) High School football player is questioning whether the punishment fits the crime after her son was violently assaulted during a Sept. 13 game.
After a play, a Waco University player choked, hit and then repeatedly slammed Jagger Gower’s head into the turf, leaving Gower with a concussion. The violence of the incident was caught on tape and the University player was ejected from the game, as well as the first half of the team’s next game.
Burleson ISD executive director of communications Mikala Hill released the following statement to the Burleson Star:
“We are shocked that this incident happened to one of our players. As it unfolded, everyone observing was momentarily stunned. Our coaches quickly ran onto the field to intervene on behalf of our player. The BHS athletic coordinator and the BISD athletic director both protested the incident with Waco ISD officials. Waco ISD assured our administrators that it would address this matter appropriately, and UIL is investigating this incident.”
Gower's mother says her son will likely be sidelined for several weeks with a concussion, and Burleson ISD athletic director Phil Anderson said the District 5-5A executive committee will meet to discuss the incident.
“The UIL said we have to meet first, then we have to determine whether we want more discipline or no discipline or move it to the state executive committee,” Anderson said. “That’s what our charge is.”
