By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
Carroll High School has been fined $1,000, placed on probation for one year and will be without head football coach Steve McLendon for its next two games following an Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) review of an incident during last Friday’s game against Andalusia.
The AHSAA announced the disciplinary action Wednesday, Sept. 16, citing a violation of its “Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rule.”
Carroll High School Principal Will Cammack released a statement Wednesday confirming that the school received the AHSAA’s ruling regarding the incident that occurred during the Sept. 11 game.
According to Cammack, Carroll fully cooperated with the AHSAA during the review by providing requested information, witness statements and available video of the incident.
Under the ruling, McLendon is suspended for Carroll’s next two contests. He will not be permitted to attend Carroll’s homecoming game against Ashford High School on Friday, Sept. 18, or the Eagles’ game against Pike County High School on Friday, Sept. 25.
Cammack said Carroll has named Darryl Watts as interim head coach for the duration of McLendon’s suspension, with De’Mon Anderson serving as interim associate head coach.
The school also announced that it will appeal the AHSAA’s decision.
“From the beginning, Carroll High School has supported Coach McLendon through this process and we will start the appeal process,” Cammack said in his statement.
“With the AHSAA’s review now complete, our focus is also on moving forward and supporting our students, coaches, and community in a positive manner,” he said.
Cammack also emphasized the school’s expectations for those representing Carroll and Ozark City Schools.
“The safety of our students, coaches, staff, and spectators remains our highest priority,” Cammack said. “We expect everyone representing Carroll High School and Ozark City Schools to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the standards of our school system, even in highly competitive and emotional situations.”
The incident occurred during the third quarter of Carroll’s game against Andalusia on Sept. 11. Video of the incident circulated on social media following the game, showing McLendon moving across the field toward an altercation involving players from the two teams.
The AHSAA subsequently began reviewing the incident before issuing its ruling Wednesday afternoon.
The Chronicle contacted the AHSAA to ask for more details about its investigative methods and how they arrived at their decision and if Andalusia High School would also be receiving any form of disciplinary action. As of the publication of this article, the AHSAA has not responded to our inquiries.
McLendon previously addressed the loss and altercation in a statement released following the game, taking responsibility for the performance and actions of his program.
“As the head coach, I take full responsibility for our performance and our actions,” McLendon wrote. “I’m making sure our young men are prepared to compete at the level we expect and carry ourselves with class.”
McLendon said the program would use the experience as an opportunity to improve.
“While the loss was disappointing, I truly believe adversity reveals character,” he wrote. “We will learn from it, make the necessary adjustments, and move forward with purpose.”
He also said his belief in the Carroll players and the direction of the program had not changed.
“My belief in these young men and the direction of this program has not changed,” McLendon wrote. “Our standard remains high, and our focus now is on how we respond this week — on the field, in the classroom, and as young men.”
McLendon concluded his statement by thanking those who support the program.
“Thank you for your continued support and belief in our program. We will respond,” he wrote.
On Tuesday afternoon, a large congregation of members of the community gathered at Elegant Decor to show their support for McClendon and Carroll High as he spoke and answered questions from those gathered
The Sept. 11 game was tied 7-7 at halftime before Andalusia scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to secure a 35-7 victory.
Carroll entered the game with a 3-0 record and fell to 3-1.
Cammack’s statement Wednesday concluded by thanking the Ozark community for its continued support and expressing hope that the community would continue supporting Carroll’s student-athletes.
The appeal means the AHSAA’s ruling is now subject to further review, while Carroll prepares to face Ashford on Friday under interim leadership.
The Chronicle will continue to follow the appeal and any additional developments involving Carroll High School, McLendon and the AHSAA.
