Controversy Surrounds the New Bern High Football Team Amidst the Suspension of Five Players

The much-awaited contest between the New Bern High School football team and Jacksonville took place on September 21. However, the excitement revolving around the game faced interruptions caused by the suspension of five players belonging to the New Bern High School team just hours before the start of the game.  

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) along with Craven County rules has barred the students from taking part in the football game. This article revolves around the exact cause behind the suspension of the players.

Attendance played a crucial role in questioning the eligibility issue

The unexpected situation that arose immediately before the football match highlights the strict principles of the regulatory association. Attendance in academics being mandatory is usual for many schools, however, in this case even in football attendance has interfered. Based on the reports of WCTI, the association has set out the rule that a student-athlete missing out on school for more than 13 days owing to an unexcused absence will be ineligible to participate in sports. 

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The suspended players from New Bern High School fell short of meeting the required attendance making the association’s adherence to the rules even more prominent. There has been much speculation regarding the investigation of the attendance hours before the onset of the game. However, their inaction has been submerged under the controversy revolving around whether the school football team has to forfeit their first five wins as remuneration for the participation of the ineligible players.

The final verdict left the coach confused and the score table haphazard

Making the situation more perplexing, Terrance Saxby, the head football coach of New Bern High School who had been appointed just a week before the fall practice has been surprised by the decision. In a state of despair, on receiving the news of the suspension of five players, Saxby continues to highlight the challenging position that coaching staff are subjected to. 

The controversy revolving around the suspension of the players has a direct impact on the football landscape of the state, which is evident in the News Channel 12 Football Poll. On Jacksonville’s victory over New Bern, the entire score table got disarranged with Cardinals securing the prime position while East Duplin ranked second boasting the longest winning streak of 20 matches. Other teams including Tarboro, New Bern, Havelock, and White Oak followed securing the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively.

Uncertainty prevails while NCHSAA investigates the matter behind the suspension of the players based on the grounds of attendance. However, the entire controversy has cast a dark shadow on the otherwise promising season serving as a reminder that even in the world of sports, discipline in academia is of paramount importance. 

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