LINDEN, N.J. — Supporters of a New Jersey high school football player captured on video apparently hitting an opponent with the opponent’s helmet say it was accidental and that the situation has been blown out of proportion.
Salaam Ismial, director of the Elizabeth-based United Youth Council, said Thursday that the players from Linden High School and Immaculata High School had been battling all game and that the Linden player didn’t mean to hurt the other teen.
The Linden player was removed from the team and the school district says it is pursuing the severest discipline permitted against him. Police are also investigating.
Ismial says the player should face a few days of suspension.
A referee penalized the Linden player for unsportsmanlike conduct and the Immaculata player was taken to a hospital after the game, where he received 10 stitches for a contusion.
