BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Action News Jax is learning about the penalties that the Brunswick High School football team will face after a fight on the field during a playoff game on Friday, Nov. 21, against Gainesville High School.
Forty-one Brunswick players have been suspended following the incident, the Georgia High School Association announced Tuesday.
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The GHSA fined Brunswick $5,000 and placed the school’s football program on probation for the 2026–27 school year, making the Pirates ineligible for postseason play next season.
We told you Monday that Gainesville High School had 39 of its players suspended by GHSA. On Tuesday, GHSA overturned the suspensions of four Gainesville High School players, while 35 players will remain suspended for their upcoming quarterfinal game against Langston Hughes on November 28.
The decision came after GHS appealed the suspensions. The GHSA Board of Trustees reviewed the case in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, where it decided to reinstate four players after Gainesville administrators reported that 39 players had entered the field during the altercation.
Gainesville was represented in the hearing by athletic director Adam Lindsey, superintendent Dr. Jeremy Williams, and head football coach Josh Niblett. Williams stated that the school would not contest the $5,000 fine or the severe warning issued by the GHSA.
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Brunswick High Principal Slade Turner issued the following statement:
“Brunswick High School accepts the ruling of the GHSA and will fully comply with all directives immediately.
“Brunswick High School provided the GHSA with all available game film, as well as detailed lists identifying players who entered the field, those who actively engaged in the altercation, and those who remained on the sideline as instructed. The GHSA reviewed all information submitted by both Brunswick High School and Gainesville High School and issued the ruling outlined below.
“In addition to the sanctions and suspensions issued by the GHSA, Brunswick High School has initiated its own disciplinary process for the students involved. Those who committed the most serious sportsmanship violations will receive consequences in accordance with the Glynn County Code of Conduct, in addition to any penalties imposed by the GHSA.
“At Brunswick High School, we take pride in how our students represent our school and community. What occurred during the game does not align with the expectations we set for our athletes or the example we work to model. This situation gives us an opportunity to reaffirm the values that guide our programs and to continue building a culture that reflects the true character of Brunswick High.”
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Steve Waters, Assistant Superintendent for Glynn County Schools, issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Glynn County School System, we thank the GHSA, Dr. Scott, and his staff for their leadership and swift resolution. Their decision has been made, and we will fully support and comply with all sanctions issued to the Brunswick High School football program.
“There is no place for incidents like this in education-based athletics, and we deeply regret the incident that took place last Friday night.
“Moving forward, our football program will be focused on learning from this incident and reinforcing the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and respect.”
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