Mesa Desert Ridge football coach Miles Smith kicked starting quarterback Gunner Brewer off the team last week. Then, 12 teammates supporting him were suspended.
Here is what we know about the fallout.
What set this off?
According to the quarterback's mom, Brewer was dismissed from the team for changing a play given to him to run in a 14-12 win at Vail Cienega on Oct. 2. He was told by Smith, she said, on that Monday, Oct. 5, that he felt disrespected and that he was no longer part of the team.
What followed?
Two days later, the team was brought together to discuss Brewer's dismissal. Offensive lineman Will Stark, according to his mom, stood up and asked who wanted to see their quarterback back. A large group raised their hand.
Kristie Stark, Will's mom, said an assistant coach told them that if they didn't like their decision, they could leave. Twelve players left. They were subsequently suspended from the team. Their banners were removed and equipment taken out of their lockers, she said. Athletic director Kevin Swann, after meeting with players and coaches, sent a letter to the Desert Ridge parents, detailing his findings.
The players came to the Friday, Oct. 9, home game in a show of support. They tried to help with the inflatable Jaguar that the players run through before games, but were turned away, according to a parent. They sat in the stands, while Desert Ridge lost to Mesa Red Mountain, 49-7.
Kristie Stark and her son met with Swann and Smith on Monday, Oct. 12, at which time they were informed that Will would no longer be part of the team through the rest of the season. In a voice message left to a parent on Monday, Oct. 12, athletic director Kevin Swann said that the players, seven of whom were underclassmen, were suspended for the rest of the season but could return for winter workouts and for next season.
What's next?
On Tuesday, Kristie Stark met with the principal, Scott Smith. She told The Republic in a text message, "Just had a GREAT conversation with the school principal. Very receptive." Stark couldn't immediately be reached after the text message.
The Jaguars (2-5) play host to Tempe Corona del Sol on Thursday, Oct. 15.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Desert Ridge football controversy. Here's what we know