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Plant Coach Weiner Suspended

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By KATHERINE SMITH | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2008

TAMPA - Plant coach Robert Weiner gathered his team following Tuesday's practice and broke the news. He won't be joining them on the sideline when the Panthers (8-1) take on South Tampa rival Robinson on Friday night.

Weiner will be serving a one-game suspension as discipline for an incident in last week's game against Jefferson. Weiner was ejected for arguing with an official in the fourth quarter of the Class 4A-District 10 championship game. Plant won, 30-7, for its fourth consecutive district title.

"I told them that all games are not about me, it's about the kids playing, and that part hasn't changed," said Weiner, who will designate one of his assistants as the head coach for Friday's game later this week. "The kids will go out and play great. That's the only thing that's important. We are playing a great rivalry game and the kids will be there ready to go."

In its report to the FHSAA, the official deemed Weiner's outburst unsportsmanlike. Plant must also pay a $200 fine, and Weiner is required to attend a six-hour "NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching" class. Weiner said he did not curse and did not touch the official during the incident.

The report from official Ben Heugel stated Weiner received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for "berating" a sideline official in the first half and then received a second one in the fourth quarter "for arguing a no-call." Before the end of the first half, when officials called both coaches together to address some problems, the report states Weiner "took the opportunity to criticize officials in a demeaning and condescending manner, but never profane."

Weiner, who said he has never missed a game or a practice, will be allowed to return to the sideline when Plant hosts Lakewood in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 21.

"We'll go out and get it done for him," senior lineman Austin Clark said. "We're the most-prepared team on Friday nights. Our preparation is everything, and he has us prepared."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860.

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