High school football player in jail after unforgivable hit on referee

A high school football player is facing an assault charge after crossing a line you just don’t cross on the sporting field.

A high school footballer put a massive body slam on the referee.

A Texas high school football star has captured the attention of America but all for the wrong reasons.

In a match between Edinburg High School and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, Edinburg’s senior defensive lineman Emmanuel Duron ran onto the field and put a massive hit on 58-year-old referee Fred Gracia.

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The official had just announced that Duron had been disqualified from the game when the incident occurred.

Duron, who was the district defensive player of the year, reacted recklessly to being ejected for two penalties.

After levelling Gracia he had to be restrained by coaches and teammates and was ultimately escorted from the field by police.

He was later charged with assault and held in jail on a $10,000 bond.

The Monitor of McAllen reported Gracia was assessed in an ambulance for concussion symptoms after the monster hit.

The incident didn’t stop Edinburg sealing a 35-21 win to qualify for the playoffs. But they have been disqualified because of Duron’s actions.

“The district has decided to remove the Edinburg High School football team from the playoffs after an unexpected incident involving a student that occurred during a football game on December 3, 2020,” the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District announced Friday. ”We extend a sincere apology to the referee and his family. On behalf of the Edinburg CISD Board of Trustees and administration, we apologise to the athletes, staff, and our school community.

“We will take the appropriate disciplinary action once we understand the facts and circumstances underlining this incident. The district takes these matters very seriously; however, we cannot comment further on a pending investigation.”

Social media erupted over the incident.

Wow just wow. This is from a HIGH SCHOOL football game?! I’m disgusted. pic.twitter.com/C55f9VuvHo

— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) December 4, 2020

Disgusting and disturbing are words that come to mind with what happened during a Texas high school football game Thursday night, which resulted in a ref being evaluated for concussion & player escorted out of stadium by police, per @aldotcom #alprepshttps://t.co/aeqSgRF4SH

— Mark Heim (@Mark_Heim) December 4, 2020

I have never seen anything like this happen while covering high school or professional sports in 20 years. wow! https://t.co/SF8xqMCWa1

— Jose Carlos Fajardo (@jcfphotog) December 4, 2020

Emmanuel Duron, a defensive tackle at Edinburg High School in Texas, tackled a referee after being disqualified from the game.

Absolutely unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/VSBaJWPPhn

— Stephen Sanchez (@SSanchezTV) December 4, 2020

On top having an all-area caliber season on the defensive line for Edinburg High, Duron was positioned to compete for a state wrestling title too

Hard to see that happening now #RGVFootball #txhsfb

— Andrew McCulloch (@ByAndyMcCulloch) December 4, 2020

He's a senior, so he's already done with high school football.

— Ron Clements (@Ron_Clements) December 4, 2020

Brownsville News’ Andrew McCulloch called it a “really ugly moment” while also sharing what Duron had seemingly given up in the moment of madness.

“On top having an all-area caliber season on the defensive line for Edinburg High, Duron was positioned to compete for a state wrestling title too. Hard to see that happening now,” he wrote on Twitter.

Originally published as High school football player in jail after unforgivable hit on referee