Edinburg High Pulled From Playoffs After Player Attacks Ref

EDINBURG, TX -- After the defensive lineman for the Edinburg High School Bobcats attacked a referee, the team has been pulled from the postseason.

The lineman, identified as Emmanuel Duron, body-slammed the referee after he was ejected from the game for committing a personal foul and for unsportsmanlike conduct. 

Even though the Bobcats defeated the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Bears 35-21 and advancing to the playoffs, the team will not be allowed to play the rest of the season.

The Edinburg CISD Board of Trustees issued the following statement.

“The district has decided to remove the Edinburg High School football team from the playoffs after an unexpected incident involving a student that occurred during a football game on December 3, 2020. We extend a sincere apology to the referee and his family. On behalf of the Edinburg CISD Board of Trustees and administration, we apologize to the athletes, staff, and our school community."

"We will take the appropriate disciplinary action once we understand the facts and circumstances underlining this incident. The district takes these matters very seriously; however, we cannot comment further on a pending investigation.”

The Texas Association of Sports Official also issued a statement.

“On the evening of December 3, 2020, another vicious and deliberate assault was inflicted on a TASO Football Official by a player who had just been ejected from the contest. Unfortunately, this type of blind-sided assault on an official while working on the field is not new to Texas Football. Though this latest incident is only hours old, TASO has begun our investigation and started a collaboration with the UIL to bring this matter to a suitable disposition."

Local media outlets report Duron was also suspended from the 2019-2020 soccer season after a similar situation occurred during match.

Duron has been charged with assault in Edinburg Municipal Court, a class A misdemeanor. 

If he is convicted, Duron could spend up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.