Jones suspended for 1 game over practice in pads
Chaminade-Madonna football coach Dameon Jones has received a onegame suspension from the FHSAA after the defending state champions practiced in full pads this spring during a restrictive period.
Under Florida High School Athletic Association’s rules, teams must wait until the seventh day of practice before going in full gear. According to the FHSAA’s report, the Lions were in full pads on the fourth day of practice.
Jones said he’ll likely serve the suspension during the team’s kickoff classic game. In addition, he will also be required to complete the NFHS Heat Illness Prevention course.
According to the report, the FHSAA received a tip that the Lions were practicing in full pads before the allowable date. The tip also included pictures of the players participating in pads from a social media account. The state then asked for a written response from the school.
After reviewing the incident, Chaminade-Madonna athletic director Andre Torres informed the state that the team was in violation of the Acclimatization Period. The FHSAA then handed down a Level 1 infraction for the incident.
Jones is entering his third year as the school’s football coach. After a state runnerup finish in his first year, Jones led the Lions to the Class 3A state championship this past season. Chaminade-Madonna finished 11-2, capped off by a 31-28 win over Oxbridge Academy in the title game. The Lions are expected to be one of the state’s top teams in Class 3A again this season.
wdusenbury@sun-sentinel .com, Twitter @dusereport