Controversy at game leads to opposing coach's resignation

A play along the sideline that  erupted in a shoving match and maybe more led to a Tishomingo assistant football coach resigning his position.

During the district football game between Tishomingo and Comanche last Friday night, a Tishomingo player went out of bounds. The outcome of that play stirred up some controversy that spilled over into a social media argument which received at least some statewide attention from a posted video.

Some Tishomingo fans on Facebook said it was a late hit out of bounds by a Comanche player on the ball carrier. Some Comanche fans countered by saying momentum from contact on the field led to the tackle on the sideline.

It was what happened next that lit the fuse. An assistant football coach from Tishomingo allegedly pushed the Comanche player who had landed on the ball carrier out of bounds.

Some fans on one side said the coach was defending his player. Fans from the other side said the coach went too far.

There were other allegations of hostile actions and words.

Comanche Athletic Director Sean Hushbeck said Sunday he was told Tishomingo administrators were holding meetings over the weekend to address the issues.

On Monday, Comanche Superintendent Julie Bills responded to an email from The Comanche Times seeking comment about the incident.

“The district is aware of the incident that occurred during Friday’s football game. Sean Hushbeck, CPS Athletic Director, served as the administrative representative at the event.,” the statement said. “He conferred with the Tishomingo Athletic Director and Superintendent immediately following the game. CPS is actively collaborating with the Tishomingo administration to support their investigation.”

Also on Monday, Comanche head coach deferred to the administration for comment.

“I was 53 yards away,” Robinson said. “I saw some pushing and shoving, but I’ll let the administration take care of it.”

On Tuesday, Tishomingo Superintendent Brandon Moreland sent out a statement saying the coach allegedly involved in the incident had resigned.

“The school investigated the incident and the employee has submitted a resignation letter,” the statement said. “The details of any employee matters are confidential by law, and I cannot share them at this time. The district has policies and procedures in place to address such behavior. We apologize for this incident and Tishomingo Public Schools will continue to hold all students and staff to a high standard at all school-sponsored activities.”