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| Wednesday, July 16 |
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| West Virginia football coach arrested By Jeff Goodman SchoolSports.com | |||
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A West Virginia high school football coach arrested for arguing with referees about a call during a game last Friday night (Oct. 13) says he is innocent of the charges. Burch High coach Doug Ward was arrested by police without the knowledge of the referees. He was charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct and battery on a police officer. "I was not ejected from the game, and the officials never knew that I'd been arrested when they came out for the second half," Ward told SchoolSports.com on Wednesday. "My superintendent and principal have been very supportive, and the whole story will come to light in time." Ward was arguing with the referees about a call just prior to halftime and was hit with an unsportsmanlike penalty. "It was heated, but when you're a referee, you kind of expect to get yelled at somewhat. It kind of comes with the territory," said head referee Bob Bates. "He deserved the penalty -- there wasn't any question about that -- for crossing the line somewhat." Although Ward wouldn't comment on the details of the incident, his lawyer and cousin, W. Thomas Ward, issued this written statement: "The charges are false and malicious and Mr. Ward will be completely exonerated by a jury of his peers. "Please keep in mind that charges represent only one side in this case, the police's version of the facts. Mr. Ward will be permitted to present the true facts in a trial before a jury." Mingo County Schools Superintendent Ted Mattern is investigating the incident and said no decision on possible disciplinary action will be made until the investigation is completed. "I'm getting ready to go to practice and will be with my team in the game against Bay Creek on Friday," said Ward. "I've been at work every day."
Material from SchoolSports.com.Visit their web site at www.schoolsports.com | |
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