Video: High school coach arrested during game for assaulting player

A shocking video from a Georgia high school football game went viral over the weekend with deplorable actions from an assistant coach the center of attention.

In a match up between Mays HS (GA) and Douglas County HS (GA), an assistant coach from Mays was caught by cameras gut-punching a player during a heated interaction during the first quarter.

Multiple reports have since shared that the assistant, who is not employed by the school as a teacher or support staff member, was arrested during the game and taken into custody shortly after the incident.

A statement from Atlanta Public Schools spokesperson Seth Coleman to Atlanta News First shared:

“A lay coach for Mays High School, who is not a classroom instructor, is in police custody after an incident that occurred on the sideline during the school’s game this afternoon against Douglas County High School. The lay coach will be charged with simple battery and face administrative charges from the district.”

"The safety and well-being of all APS students remains a high priority for the district and all APS employees are held to the highest standard of conduct and professionalism."

A number of reports have also added that the coach, identified as Carl Sledge, has since been fired.

Mays would go on to lose the game 48-42

An unfortunate and unacceptable situation, but this should serve as a great reminder that the type of people you bring on board as your assistant coaches have a huge impact. Hire the right people.