Royal High football coach on ice after incident with player

Royal High football coach Adam Brubaker is currently sidelined following an incident during practice on August 19th. According to a letter from Principal Reina Zapata to parents on August 20th, school and District administrators are investigating the matter. Principal Zapata emphasized that the incident is being taken seriously and that the school and District are gathering information and reviewing the circumstances.

Coach Brubaker explained that he was addressing a player who had tackled a teammate during a non-contact period when he kicked a football at his feet. The football struck the player in the groin. Brubaker stated, "There was a football in front of me. I was pissed. I wanted to kick the football all the way to Royal Avenue. Instead, it hits (the player)." He emphasized that it was an accident and he did not intend to harm the player.

His account aligns with a video shared with The Star on August 20th. Brubaker met with the player to apologize before notifying Royal High athletic director Reid Furlong. The District is now conducting an investigation into the incident. It is unclear what Brubaker's status with the school is as of August 20th. The Highlanders, who had a 3-7 record last season in Brubaker's first year, were scheduled to host North Hills-Monroe in their season opener on Friday.

Royal High is currently figuring out an interim coaching plan to ensure practices and the football program continue with minimal disruption. Principal Zapata noted that the team's safety and well-being are the top priority while maintaining a positive environment for the team.