{
  "id": 2229544,
  "title": "Royal High football coach on ice after incident with player",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/royal-high-football-coach-on-ice-after-incident-with-player",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T21:25:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/royal-high-football-coach-ice-212509597.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nCoach 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.\n\nHis 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.",
  "summary": "Royal High football coach Adam Brubaker will miss Friday's season opener after an incident at the Aug. 19 practice.",
  "key_points": [
    "Royal High football coach Adam Brubaker sidelined since August 19th incident.",
    "Principal Reina Zapata investigating incident, prioritizing player safety.",
    "Brubaker kicked football at feet during practice, accidentally hitting player."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}