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Jefferson High Coach Contests Way He's Punished For Cursing

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By KATHERINE SMITH, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2007

Updated: 11/01/2007 12:13 am

TAMPA - Jefferson High football coach Mike Fenton said Wednesday he has retained legal representation to help challenge the way his one-game suspension and $250 fine is being handled.

Fenton was ejected from the Friday night game against Alonso for cursing. Fenton said he still hasn't received the official letter from the Florida High School Athletic Association informing him of his one-game suspension and fine. Because of this, he said, his appeal, which is scheduled for today, should be postponed, allowing him to coach in Friday night's Class 4A-District 10 title game against Plant.

Jefferson athletics director Bob Morgan was informed by phone Monday of the FHSAA's ruling. According to FHSAA rules, Fenton said, he should have been warned first and then ejected for a second infraction of cursing.

Hillsborough County, however, has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to cursing.

'I'm hoping, in the FHSAA's wisdom, they'll give him an opportunity to present his side of the story,' Morgan said.

Morgan faxed his appeal letter to the FHSAA on Wednesday. Fenton will send the legal letter today, which will state in part that the coach's civil rights are being violated because he's not being allowed due process. The letter also will include a precedent he feels was set this season.

Armwood lineman Matt Patchan was ejected from the opener against Plant and by FHSAA rules was required to sit out the next week's contest. But Armwood appealed Patchan's suspension, and the appeal process took more than a week, allowing Patchan to play. His appeal was denied, and he sat out the next game.

The fact that Fenton might not be on the sideline Friday night didn't stop someone from trash talking through the mail. Fenton received a letter at school on Wednesday with such 'disturbing' language that Morgan turned it over to the Tampa Police Department. Morgan also informed Plant officials, because the letter was signed using four Plant players' jersey numbers.

Morgan said it was classified as hate mail, and the police are investigating.

The return address was Plant High, but the postmark was Port Tampa.

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860 or ksmith@tampatrib

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