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Bucs benched for a few weeks

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published August 31, 2006

The Florida High School Athletic Association suspended Gulf players Jene McGinnis and Anthony Jackson for two and three weeks, respectively, coach Jay Fulmer confirmed Wednesday.

Both players were ejected seconds after the final play in Friday's season-opening 15-14 loss to Wesley Chapel.

McGinnis, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior right tackle, will miss the next two games against River Ridge and Citrus after being ejected after blocking a Wesley Chapel player to the ground after the final play.

Fulmer said McGinnis didn't hear the whistle signalling the end of the game after Michael Alvin ran out of bounds after his victory-clinching interception.

In Jackson's case, Fulmer said he was under the impression Jackson swore at another player and that was the reason for his ejection. But in the report filed with the FHSAA, one of the referees wrote that Jackson, a senior running back and defensive back, swore at him. "The ref told me he was talking to another kid," said Fulmer.

In a midfield conference afterwards, one referee told the others Jackson - who had 34 yards rushing and caught a pass for 15 yards - told him "you missed a good (expletive) game."

"He might have said that, I wasn't there and didn't see it, and if so, then he's getting what he deserves," Fulmer said.

While a disqualification for general unsportsmanlike conduct carries a one-game penalty, both Buc cases were deemed gross unsportsmanlike, which carries a suspension up to six weeks.

Both players will be eligible to return by the start of district action Sept. 29 against Zephyrhills.

[Last modified August 31, 2006, 06:02:00]