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Hernando Today

NCT's Joyner Suspended Six Weeks

NCT Head Coach Jamie Joyner

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: November 12, 2008

Next Friday Nature Coast Technical will host Williston in a regional quarterfinal. The Sharks may have to make their playoff run without Head Coach Jamie Joyner.

On Monday the Florida High School Athletic Association suspended Joyner for six weeks for "gross unsportsmanlike conduct" in the fallout from a brawl at Groveland-South Lake Friday night.

In a report obtained by Hernando Today through the FHSAA and filed by Michael Koller of the Central Florida Officials Association, the lights at South Lake's stadium went out with 3:45 left to play.

With visibility limited to 5-10 feet, benches cleared and a fight ensued, forcing officials to call the game with the Sharks winning 40-24.

Officials identified Joyner, four players from South Lake and one from Nature Coast as those that threw punches during the altercation.

The players are suspended indefinitely, though their numbers are blacked out in the report. Nature Coast Athletic Director Travis Lamle declined to name the suspended player.

According to the report, "Coach Joyner denied throwing punches, however the official that observed the coach's actions was less than five feet from the coach and confident of what he saw."

Joyner declined comment. When reached following the game Friday night, the fifth-year coach said the fight was instigated when senior Tadd Govedich was taken out by a South Lake player in the moments following the blackout and the Eagle players then came to the Sharks' side of the field.

Joyner also said that night that based on his conversation with the officials, he was not concerned over losing any players and that he was "really proud of the way our kids handled it."

The school can appeal the FHSAA's decision, which also includes a $100 fine for the school and the requirement of Joyner to complete a six-hour "NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching" class before resuming his coaching duties.

Lamle said an official decision on whether or not to appeal would be determined today, when Principal Tizzy Schoelles returns from out of town. If the school does appeal, Lamle anticipates a decision later this week.

Unless the appeal is successful, Joyner cannot attend any athletic contest in any capacity or be present at the site until the end of his suspension and the completion of the required course.

That would take him off the Nature Coast sideline for this Friday's season finale at archrival Central and any ensuing playoff games.

At 9-0 the Sharks, ranked tenth in Class 3A, are on the verge of completing just the third undefeated season in county history.

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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