Football players suspended following altercation

Seven football players, two from Braden River and five from North Port, have been suspended for the remainder of the regular season for their involvement in an altercation following last Friday’s district game at North Port. 

The players, whose names weren’t released due to district policy, are suspended for a minimum of four weeks and will face additional school-based disciplinary measures, including community service. 

The suspensions were handed out after the School District of Manatee County and the Sarasota County School District carefully reviewed the facts surrounding the incident. A report of the joint findings and disciplinary action will be forwarded to the Florida High School Athletic Association for review. 

“The confrontation that took place last Friday is unacceptable based on the standards both counties have set for our student athletes,” Manatee District Supervisor of Athletics Jason Montgomery and Sarasota District Supervisor of Athletics Bethany D. King said in a release.“In addition to disciplinary measures involving our student athletes, this incident has caused both counties to take a close look at how we handle game procedures both home and away to make sure this kind of incident doesn’t occur again.” 

The altercation occurred following Braden River’s 42-7 victory, as the Pirates were walking back to their bus. 

Braden River, who is ranked No. 4 in Class 7A, is off this week and will return to action Oct. 16 versus No. 3 ranked Venice. The Pirates also have district games versus Palmetto and Sarasota before closing out the regular season at home Nov. 6.