MSHSAA Suspends Referee After Glendale Player Incident

The Missouri State High School Activities Association suspended a referee indefinitely after video showed him grabbing Glendale High School senior receiver Joelle Rover during a football game in Springfield, Missouri. The incident occurred Thursday night as Glendale defeated Kickapoo 35-6 after Rover scored a touchdown.

According to KY3 and USA TODAY, the referee approached Rover after the touchdown celebration and physically turned him around before another official intervened. Glendale coach Frank Tristan objected from the sideline, while school officials contacted Rover and his family.

MSHSAA Communications Director Andrew Kauffman confirmed the disciplinary action after officials reviewed the incident.

"We were made aware of the situation, and the official in question has been suspended indefinitely." said Andrew Kauffman, MSHSAA Communications Director.

The organization said the referee could appeal the suspension, though any appeal would not be reviewed until the following week, according to KY3. The incident drew attention after video circulated from the game.

Glendale principal Josh Groves said the school responded after learning about the footage from a parent. He said administrators reviewed the video and communicated with Rover and his family.

"When we saw [the video], we were surprised and made sure that we communicated with the parents of the student," said Josh Groves, Glendale principal.

Groves described the school's next steps after speaking with Rover and involving athletic department staff.

"We talked with Joelle himself, our athletic director checked in with him and let him know that we were going to take appropriate action and just make sure that we followed the proper channels." said Josh Groves, Glendale principal.

Glendale coach Frank Tristan said the referee's actions affected the atmosphere of the game. He addressed the situation during and after the play involving Rover.

"I think it really tarnished the whole game with that," said Frank Tristan, Glendale football coach.

Tristan was also captured on video confronting another official on the sideline after the incident involving his player.

"He doesn't need to be touching my player. You talk to me, that's ridiculous. He needs to grow up." said Frank Tristan, Glendale football coach.

The game itself ended with Glendale improving to 4-3 on the season. USA TODAY reported the Falcons had won three straight games while scoring at least 35 points in each victory.

Rover's touchdown was part of a strong performance by the senior receiver, who had previous production of 1,017 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, according to 247Sports. He also held offers from Princeton, Western Illinois and Lindenwood.

Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III commented on the video after it spread online.

"This referee done lost his DAMN MIND PUTTING HIS HANDS ON A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER FOR NO REASON" said Robert Griffin III, former Heisman Trophy winner.

The referee involved briefly exchanged words with Rover after another official separated them during the game.

"I'm glad you do," said the referee, whose name was not released in the reports.

Glendale is scheduled to return to action on Oct. 16 against Ozark, while Kickapoo is scheduled to host Waynesville on the same date, according to USA TODAY.

Groves said the school appreciated the response from MSHSAA after the complaint was submitted.

"We know that that's not appropriate and they handled it really well, I think, and really promptly," said Josh Groves, Glendale principal.