Semipro football team: Weekend incident not a reflection of the team
CARROLLTON – The owner of a semipro football team in Tuscarawas County says an incident at a game on Saturday does not reflect the organization.
Owner Jonathan Clark, who also plays for the Tuscarawas County Warriors, says they’ve never had an incident like the one that happened Saturday.
“That’s not who we are,” he said. “This team’s been around for many years and nothing like that has ever happened.
“It should never have turned out that way. Never. None of my guys are happy about it. We’re more embarrassed than anything.”
Authorities are still investigating what was described as a large fight at Carrollton High School Warrior Stadium on the police scanner. Police did not immediately return messages.
Clark says what he can share is limited because the investigation is ongoing, but he is sure his team did not instigate it.
He says it started with an incident in the stands near the end of the game and ended with him getting a severe concussion that led to hospitalization and seizures. He is still recovering and seeing a specialist.
Clark has only owned the team for about a year and hopes this incident doesn’t hurt its future.
He says the Tuscarawas County Warriors strive to be a community-focused organization and a brotherhood of guys who love football. They would like to host community events and support local causes.
Their season will continue with their next game in Canton on Saturday.
STATEMENT FROM THE TUSCARAWAS COUNTY WARRIORS
The Tuscarawas County Warriors organization would like to address the unfortunate events that occurred during our game against the Canton Hurricanes on Saturday, July 11.
During the contest, a large altercation occurred that disrupted the game and resulted in a dangerous situation for everyone in attendance. Based on what our organization observed, the incident was not initiated by members of the Tuscarawas County Warriors. We are confident that the ongoing investigation and available evidence will provide a complete and accurate account of the events.
As a result of the incident, our team owner sustained injuries and was hospitalized. We are grateful to report that they are now recovering, and we appreciate the outpouring of support and well wishes from our community.
This matter remains under active investigation by the Carrollton Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Out of respect for that process, we will have no further comment regarding the specifics of the incident until the appropriate authorities have completed their investigation.
As the newly appointed Head Coach of the Tuscarawas County Warriors, I take full responsibility for establishing the culture and expectations of this football program moving forward. Although I was not in this role when this incident occurred, I am committed to ensuring that our organization represents Tuscarawas County with professionalism, discipline, and respect.
Following an internal review, the Warriors organization has made difficult but necessary personnel decisions. Several players and one coach are no longer members of the Tuscarawas County Warriors. While these decisions were not made lightly, they reflect our commitment to accountability and maintaining the standards expected of everyone who represents this organization.
We have also been informed that the Canton Hurricanes have received a one-week team suspension and that multiple individuals involved are facing indefinite suspensions pending further review.
We want to make it clear that this incident does not define the Tuscarawas County Warriors. Throughout our organization’s history, we have worked to build a culture of sportsmanship, community involvement, and respect for the game. This was an isolated incident, and we remain committed to learning from it and ensuring that it is never repeated.
To our fans, families, sponsors, volunteers, and the football community, thank you for your continued support during this difficult time. We ask everyone to allow the investigative process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or inflammatory comments on social media. Our focus remains on supporting those affected, cooperating fully with law enforcement and league officials, and moving forward as a stronger organization.
Respectfully,
Glen Tidd
Head Coach
Tuscarawas County Warriors Football