A circuit judge on Friday denied an emergency appeal that sought to overturn the Florida High School Athletic Association’s postseason ban on Miami Carol City Senior High School’s football team. Attorneys filed the request on the same day the playoff bracket was released.
The ban follows a fight in early October after a mid-season game against Grayson High School, a team from Georgia. Video of the brawl shows a Carol City player shoving an opponent to the ground and punching him. The fight broke out after the clock hit zero.
The association barred the team from the postseason, suspended 15 players and fined the school $1,500. The FHSAA said the decision also reflects weak program oversight and a history of trouble, including a summer incident in which a player reportedly pushed a game official.
Local 10 obtained court documents showing letters sent to the association asking it to reconsider. Principal Bridget McKinney wrote that students have been held accountable and coaches have received training. Grayson coach Greg Carswell also urged the association to reconsider, saying the players should have the chance to finish the season they earned.
Miami Carol City finished the regular season 7-3. The school’s attorney and administrators did not respond to requests for comment by Friday night.
