OZARK, Ala. (WDNews) — Carroll High School head football coach Steve McLendon has been suspended for two games following an incident during the Eagles’ game against Andalusia on Friday, Sept. 11.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association announced Wednesday that Carroll was fined $1,000 and placed on probation for one year for violating the AHSAA Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rule.
McLendon will not be allowed to attend Carroll’s next two games, including Friday’s matchup against Ashford and the Sept. 25 game against Pike County.
Late in the third quarter with the game tied at 7, an altercation broke out between Carroll and Andalusia players following a play. McLendon came onto the field during the incident and appeared to be attempting to break up the altercation.
Carroll High School said it cooperated fully with the AHSAA during its review by providing requested information, witness statements and available video of the incident. Principal Will Cammack said the school plans to appeal the ruling.
“From the beginning, Carroll High School has supported Coach McLendon through this process and we will start the appeal process,” Cammack said.
Darryl Watts has been named interim head coach during McLendon’s suspension, while De’Mon Anderson will serve as interim associate head coach.
On Saturday morning following the Andalusia game, McLendon addressed the incident in a post on the Carroll High School Football Facebook page.
“As the head coach, I take full responsibility for our performance and our actions,” McLendon wrote. “I’m making sure our young men are prepared to compete at the level we expect and carry ourselves with class.”
McLendon said the team would learn from the incident, make adjustments and move forward.
Carroll returns to action Friday against Ashford.
