Image Credit: Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department & maxpreps.com
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A teacher that works for the Sevier County school district assaulted two people after a football game at Unicoi County High School.
The 44-year-old man, Brandon Cory Burns, is the father of one of the football players for Gatlinburg-Pittman who played Unicoi on Friday night.
According to law enforcement, Burns crossed the football field to attack a Unicoi fan after the game and then struck another person who tried to intervene. A Gatlinburg-Pittman player then laid hands on Burns to extricate him from the fight.
The Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office arrested Burns and charged him with simple assault. After posting a $2,000 bond, the Sevier County Junior High teacher was released. Burns has a scheduled court date on September 15th before the Unicoi County General Sessions Court.
Chris Bogart, the Principal for Unicoi County High School, took to social media to clear up some misinformation about the altercation and to ask for social media posts be taken down that blamed Gatlinburg-Pittman players or coaches for what happened.
“We wanted to clear up any confusion as to what actually took place,” wrote Bogart. “The incident that took place was not between the players from either team or the coaches. Both teams and coaching staffs showed great sportsmanship toward each other all throughout the game. This was a hard fought game in which both teams gave everything they had to win. The incident started with fans after the teams had shook hands and spilled over onto the field. Some Gatlinburg Pittman players and coaches worked to break up the incident, NOT to participate in it. No Gatlinburg Pittman coaches were arrested as some have posted. Their players did not start any fights. The GP players, coaches and administrators were nothing but classy and did a fine job handling themselves. And the same can be said for our players and coaches. This was an unfortunate incident which overshadowed an incredible high school football game.”
Bogart stated that strong feelings over a call made late in the game likely led to the incident and reiterated that while disagreements happen, adults need to set an example for students in how to conduct themselves in the face of disappointing events.
According to a statement from Sevier County Schools Assistant Superintendent Tony Ogle that was released to WBIR, Burns was not at the sports event in any official capacity as a system employee but because his actions after the game caused concern, district administrators opened an investigation into the incident. On Monday, Burns was suspended from work and banned from attending further sporting events.
“The Sevier County School System expects good sportsmanship of all its staff members, parents, players, and students, and we are deeply grateful for the actions of administrators in Unicoi County Schools for their swift intervention and gracious assistance in this situation,” wrote Ogle.
The Unicoi Sheriff’s Office chose to arrest Burns on Friday night in part to set a precedent that violence at sporting events will not be tolerated.
In a press release, Unicoi County Chief Deputy Jonathan “Frank” Rogers stated that it is the position of the department to always arrest those who start a fight.
Rogers said that deputies are always present at sporting events, along with school resource officers and officers working off duty.
“The hope is that we have them and not need them, rather than to need them and not have them,” said Rogers.
John English, Director of Unicoi County Schools, said, “These situations can turn ugly really fast.”
English gave credit to law enforcement, locals, and members of the visiting team for quickly de-escalating the violent situation.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Alcohol fueled?