Texas high school football team fights playoff ban, parents question controversial ruling - USA Today
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, it was announced that Argyle Liberty Christian (TX) had been banned from the postseason for using an ineligible player. The very next day, it was reported that legal action has been considered and parents have started to speak up.
Greg Riddle of The Dallas Morning News reported Wednesday afternoon that the school is considering legal action to get back into the postseason. The Warriors were one of the favorites in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Division I championship scene.
Riddle noted that an email sent to the families of Liberty Christian players stated the school disagreed with the ruling by TAPPS and that the program provided clear and unambiguous evidence to prove its innocence to the allegations.
“This unfair ruling ignores the clear and obvious facts in this case, and we are considering our various legal options moving forward," the letter reads. "We will continue to do everything we can to fight this unjust ruling.”
The TAPPS decision stated Liberty Christian had been found to have violated the "follow the coach" rule, alleging that former Abilene Cooper receiver Jace Johnson had played for Liberty Christian defensive backs coach Antonio Griffin and his 7-on-7 team Lionhearted United.
As the school prepares to fight the decision that was made, parents have begun to take to social media arguing against TAPPS' decision.
Michelle Witten, mother of five-star Oklahoma linebacker commit Cooper Witten and wife to former Liberty Christian head coach Jason Witten, is one of the outspoken parents.
"My son has been a Liberty Warrior since age 3," Michelle posted to X. "Griffin NEVER coached the student in question. We believe clear evidence was ignored and disputed evidence accepted. Do five voters grasp the consequences for these boys, their futures and Liberty Christian? This goes beyond football."
Liberty Christian had been one of the most dominant private school programs this season in the Lone Star State, compiling a record of 7-3 and 6-0 in district play. The Warriors were forced to forfeit their win over Bishop Lynch (TX) on Oct. 23.
In its other two losses to Midland Christian (TX) and Celina (TX), Liberty Christian lost by four total points.
The Warriors were scheduled to open postseason play by hosting Austin St. Michael (TX) this week. Following the TAPPS decision, the eight-team Division I playoff bracket had to be reconfigured and the first round of the postseason was moved back a week to Nov. 14.
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports onInstagram andX.
