A situation that transpired before an Oregon high school football game on Friday, Oct. 16, led to one player being ejected before kickoff even happened.
The situation transpired at Jefferson High School (OR) as visiting Grant players ran out onto the field for the team's entrance. As the Generals ran onto the field, video shows a Jefferson player coming out and violently shoving a Grant player that was carrying the American flag.
That player got up and went to confront the Jefferson player before being separated while the rest of his teammates went to their respective sideline.
Portland-area new station KATU reported on the situation, noting the Oregon School Activities Association said the player was ejected due to the conduct.
In a statement to the news station, the OSAA stated that "Rivalry game or not, there's no place for this behavior before, during or after a game."
While the OSAA does not comment on any disciplinary measures for situations such as that, an ejection typically leads to an athlete being removed from that game and suspended for the next game as well. That athlete is also typically required to complete a sportsmanship course.
Portland Public Schools also sent a statement to the station saying the player "allowed his emotions override his judgement in the heat of the moment." The district also stated that the incident didn't have anything to do with the American flag and that they supported the ejection from the game.
Grant would go on to win the game 35-14, moving to 6-1 on the season. With the loss, Jefferson dropped to 1-6 on the year.
Both programs have two games remaining in the regular season. Jefferson's next game will be on the road at McDaniel (OR) on Oct. 23. while Grant plays at home on the same night against Ida B. Wells (OR).
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why an Oregon high school football player was ejected from rivalry game before kickoff