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High School Football Players Say Hit on Ref Was Payback for Racial Slur

School officials are still trying to sort out this mess.

The two Texas high school football players who blindsided a referee during a game Friday are saying that they hit the official for a reason.

The two football players — identified as sophomore Victor Rojas and senior Mike Moreno by the San Antonio Express-News — are alleging that the ref hurled racial slurs at them, prompting their premeditated hit on the official, according to ESPN.

While the John Jay High School students have been suspended from the school and by the team, Northside Independent School District superintendent Brian T. Woods told ESPN that they'll have a disciplinary hearing and the district will file a complaint about the racial slur allegation with the Texas Association of Sports Officials.
Alan Goldberger, the attorney for the referee, Robert Watts, told ESPN that his client is being "falsely accused" of using a racial slur.

Sgt. Tom Dillard said that if Watts files charges — as he reportedly intends to do — it could be for misdemeanor assault. In addition, the assault could lead to expulsion from the school district.
The disturbing video from Friday's game shows Watts with his back to the players, first getting leveled by one player, before another plows into him on the ground for a second hit.
BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports, including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes.

(Photo: Greg Gibson via YouTube)

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