The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) on Tuesday reinstated four of the 39 players from Gainesville High School’s football team who were suspended following a fight during their second-round playoff game against Brunswick High School.
The four reinstated players include defensive backs Xavier Griffin and Jamarion Matthews—both committed to the University of Alabama—as well as Jamarcus Sims and Roger Holder, whose helmets were removed during the altercation.
During a Zoom hearing Tuesday, Gainesville’s appeal acknowledged suspension for four players who threw punches, but sought reinstatement for the remaining 35 who entered the field area after the fracas erupted. The GHSA board determined that only the four were eligible for reinstatement and upheld the suspensions for the other 35.
Gainesville was leading 42-0 when the game was discontinued with 1:57 remaining in the third quarter
GHSA Executive Director Tim Scott underscored the association’s rules barring players from running onto the field during a fight, saying such involvement can escalate the risk of injury.
Taking full responsibility, Glynn County Schools athletic director Steve Waters recused himself from the vote, defended Gainesville’s appeal, and told the GHSA the entire incident would not have happened if not for two of his Brunswick players.
Brunswick was forced to suspend 41 players, was fined $5,000, and hit with a one-year postseason ban after the incident.
As of this writing, Gainesville prepares to face Langston Hughes High School in the Class 5A quarterfinals this Friday night. They will have the services of star quarterback Kharim Hughley, a Clemson commit, who did not leave the bench area during the altercation.
