Local TSSAA official weighs in on viral tackle video
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Caught on camera in Texas, a defensive back comes charging in at full speed, blindsiding an official. Seconds later, while the official is on the ground, his teammate follows by spearing the official with his helmet. It’s an act that has captured national attention and could land the two teens in jail due to a Texas law that makes it a criminal act to hit an official. We talked with a local TSSAA official about what would happen if a player acted out like this here. “On a situation like that, our officials would eject them,” Booby King said. “They would send in a report to the state office telling them what the facts were and what happened, and then the state office would handle it from there.” According to King, there is no state law that protects officials. However, he says a DA could file criminal charges and that the school district also can discipline players as it sees fit. The video has received more than 6 million views.
