Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association P. 0, BOX 519 + 3333 LEBANON ROAD + HERMITAGE, TENNESSEE 37076 615/889-6740 + Fax 615/889-0544 + www.tssaa.org May 30, 2019 Ms. Latonya Jackson, Principal Haywood High School 1175 E College Brownsville, TN 38012 Dear Ms, Jackson: This is in regard to the unsportsmanlike incident that occurred during the Haywood High School vs. Sequatchie County High School baseball contest on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at the TSSAA Spring Fling. Both Haywood High School coaches were ejected from the game after arguing a call with the umpire. ‘The disagreement escalated into a situation which involved the head coach, Dusty Rhodes, kicking dirt and following the umpire around the baseball field. Assistant Coach Alex Whitwell was also ejected for using profane language during the incident, ‘The report submitted by the officials in charge stated, in part Bottom of the 6", new pitcher is brought in by Haywood County to start the inning (they are down by 1). First pitch of the AB I called an illegal pitch for Hybrid Pitching Stance (very distinct Hybrid with foot clearly out front of rubber). Dusty approaches me from dugout. I advised him pitcher was in a Hybrid Stance and that is illegal in high school baseball. I gave him a polite educational discussion about the Hybrid and what the pitcher can and cannot do with his Windup. Dusty completes a mound visit. Next pitch, was better and much closer to “in the plane of the pitching rubber.” No call. Next pitch the pitcher reverted to his original stance (Hybrid). Another illegal pitch (Hybrid). This pitch was called a strike by Home Plate umpire, but changed upon finding out time was called (now 3-0 count). Dusty approaches me again regarding the Hybrid Stance, this time visibly upset, He challenges the validity of the Hybrid Stance call. Due to previous interaction and Dusty’s escalating behavior (previous warning), I immediately restricted him to the dugout. T began to walk away toward the second base. Dusty pursued continuing to argue the call and restriction. I turned and ejected Dusty for continuing 10 argue after restriction. Dusty’s anger was immediate. He began to kick dirt all over me and my shoes. As I was walking away, his kicking motion connected with my feet and I began to trip (although, catching myself and notgoing to the ground). He kept saying something along the lines of. “You can't throw me out of this game.” L also was called a “piece of shit" multiple times. He also continued to make contact with me (chest bump) as I was walking away (this occurred multiple times during the event). After the dirt kicking and chest bumping Eddie Pye arrived to defuse. He did his best 10 control Dusty, but Dusty evaded ‘Eddie multiple times and reached me to arrive directly in my face. While arguing in my face, I was spit on multiple times, 1 moved away each time. I reached Centerfield/2B area before Dusty was removed from me. After the ejection I said no words what so ever. took up position in RF, moving to 1B line while situation was being handled by other two umpires. During Dusty’s ejection, the Haywood bench (players and coaching staff) had completely evacuated the bench area and joined the field. Most continuing to argue with Eddie Pye and Kenny Lee as they tried to control the situation (players included). A few personnel did attempt 10 restrain Dusty, although I do not know the exact names or identities. As I was busy with Dusty, Kenny Lee ejected Asst. Coach for swearing (Alex Whitwell). Idid not witness the Kenny Lee ejection. Heard about it afier the game. Dusty continued to argue for over 10 minutes and would not leave the field. His anger and rage were uncontrollable. TSSAA requested that the Haywood High School administration deal with the incident and report their findings and disciplinary action to the state office. The state office staff has also reviewed the video of the incident and read all of the documentation submitted several times. The administration at Haywood High School submitted the requested report to the state office on Tuesday, May 28", Their report stated the following: Haywood High School is supportive of the fine and suspension from the TSSAA, Coach Rhodes will sit out the first 2 games of the 2020 baseball season and is responsible for paying the fine out of his pocket. This is our first incident of this manner with Coach Rhodes and this behavior is not ipical for him. We feel that the suspension and fine from the TSSAA is adequate and will not add any extra games 10 this suspension but will work closely with Coach Rhodes to offer support in order to prevent this behavior from happening again, We are grateful for an opportunity 10 make it 10 ‘Spring Fling this year and hope to be back there next year. After reviewing the facts, this case is being closed in the following manner: 1, The head and assistant baseball coaches at Haywood High School must sit out the first two varsity baseball contests of the 2019-20 season. The school is being fined $500.00 for having two coaches ejected as stated in the TSSAA Bylaws under Article III, Section 9. 2. The baseball program at Haywood High School is being placed on “Restrictive Probation” for two calendar years beginning May 30, 2019, through May 30, 2021 and fined $2,000.00. Article V, Section 4(3) of the TSSAA Constitution states:Restrictive probation to an individual sport in an athletic program shall result in removal from the tournament series and a fine of $1,000.00 annually. During the period of Restrictive Probation, the baseball team will not be allowed to enter the postseason baseball toumament series or receive any award recognizing their finish in the regular season. 3. The total athletic program at Haywood High School is being placed on probation for two calendar years beginning May 30, 2019, through May 30, 2021, and fined an additional $2,000.00. Article V, Section 4(2) states: Probation to a total athletic program shall result in a fine of $1,000.00 annually The administration was given ample opportunity to address this unfortunate incident but chose to only enforce what the Bylaws require. 4, Haywood High School is being fined a total of $4,500.00. Alll coaches are responsible to the principal of his/her school. Principals and coaches must realize that they have more responsibilities than the general public to understand the purpose of high school athletics and the principles behind the TSSAA rules, and they must maintain that level of understanding and purpose when dealing with the general public and students. ‘The TSSAA and its member schools believe strongly that the major purpose of athletics at the secondary level is to be part of the total education program. A major part of this purpose is to stress to coaches, players, officials, and fans the vital importance of sportsmanship. It is critical that all people in each of these categories understand the major role that they play and the role model that they can be for others. Ifyou have any questions regarding this, please feel free to contact our offi Sincerely, Bernard Childress Executive Director BCalj