Jefferson HS Principal

[E.T.]

Officials' Report Says Coach Was Warned

By ROZEL LEE rlee@tampatrib.com

Published: Sep 21, 2005

TAMPA - Jefferson offensive coordinator Mike Fenton was absent from team practice Tuesday during preparation for one of the Dragons' biggest games of the year against Hillsborough, a game he will miss due to suspension.

A report filed with the FHSAA by Hillsborough County's West Coast Officials reveals Fenton received two warnings before being ejected from Friday's game against Armwood, an offense that carries a one-game suspension.

In the report's incident explanation, filed by head official Ben Heugel, a "warning was first issued for taunting/baiting by Coach Fenton of Armwood players following a play at the Jefferson sideline. Within the next series or so, another sideline play occurred, Coach Fenton argued … following warnings to stop, was ejected."

According to FHSAA policy, only the head coach is permitted to engage in conversation with game officials.

The report also states Fenton was "spotted by the visiting team in the press box."

FHSAA rules state an ejected coach must leave the game site. The game was stopped, and Jefferson's athletic director told Fenton to leave the stadium. Yet another complaint was received that Fenton was across the street on the top level of a parking garage that overlooks Jefferson's stadium. It was alleged in the report he was communicating by cell phone.

The phone, however, is not at issue, according to Sonny Hester, an FHSAA associate commissioner. "The rule states a coach who has been ejected cannot watch the game from any point," said Hester, who met with school officials Tuesday to review game film.

Fenton can appeal the ejection, which carries a one-game suspension, a $100 fine for the ejection and another $100 fine for refusing to leave the stadium. He is not prohibited from attending practice. His absence prompted speculation his status on the team had changed.

"I can say unequivocally, Coach Fenton is still on our faculty and on the coaching staff," Jefferson principal Lou Diaz said. "He has chosen to remove himself from practice this week."