No spring games for Nature Coast, Central

The two teams were also fined and placed on probation for a postgame incident Nov. 9.

By DAVID MURPHY
Published December 4, 2007

Both Nature Coast and Central have been barred from playing in spring games as part of a punishment for a postgame incident Nov.9 at Nature Coast, according to letters obtained by the St. Petersburg Times that were sent to both schools by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

The two schools were also fined, placed on restrictive probation and issued letters of reprimand.

The actions stem from an incident between the schools after Central's 17-13 win. The Bears congregated at midfield, jumping and celebrating. Many Nature Coast players rushed toward the Bears.

The incident was broadcast live over HITV, an instructional cable channel operated by the Hernando County school board.

Attempts to reach Nature Coast athletic director Travis Lamle were unsuccessful, and coach Jamie Joyner declined to comment. Central coach Cliff Lohrey said he and his team were looking to "move forward."

"We regret that the incident took place at all," he said, "and we're going to take actions to see that it never happens again."

Both schools were fined $500 for violating an FHSAA sportsmanship bylaw. Nature Coast was fined an additional $500 for gross unsportsmanlike conduct by two players. Central was fined an additional $250 for gross unsportsmanlike conduct by one player.

Both were placed on restrictive probation for a year, meaning any further violations during that period could result in additional disciplinary actions.

Nature Coast suspended four players for its playoff game against North Marion on Nov. 16 - two for one quarter, two for the entire game. Central, according to the letter, had decided there would be "no spring football game of any type for underclassmen," and took additional actions with various individuals, the details of which were not included.

[Last modified December 4, 2007, 00:48:00]