According to today’s Racine Journal Times, Racine Horlick football coach Brian Fletcher has been suspended one game for his public use of the word “Caucasian” when arguing a referee’s call during Friday night’s Burlington-Horlick football game.
Fletcher issued the following statement through the Racine Unified School District on Monday:
“I am aware that my actions at Friday night’s football game were out of line and insensitive, and I apologize to those I offended. I regret the negative image my actions have cast on players, coaches, staff and administration at Horlick High School as well as the Racine community. My choice of words was inconsistent with the morals and values I strive to emulate and teach my Horlick football team and myself. I wish the young man from Burlington my sincerest regards for a full and speedy recovery from his injury.”
I just got off the phone with Chris Weidert, the father of the player who was injured Friday night, Jake, and he said Fletcher reached out to the Burlington coaches and the Weidert family after Friday’s game to send his well wishes to Jake.
On Saturday, Chris Weidert called Fletcher and had a brief conversation, where Chris assured Fletcher Jake was fine and they forgive Fletcher.
Jake told his dad to tell the Horlick coach it was OK he made the comment, which occurred while Jake was on the ground being checked by medical personnel for a potentially severe head injury.
“We hope he learns from this,” Chris said about Fletcher. “We want it to be about the kids on the field. Brian is genuinely a good person. He shouldn’t lose his job over it. I feel a one-game suspension was adequate. He made a mistake. Who hasn’t?”
There was no helmet-to-helmet hit, per Chris Weidert, as the Racine Horlick player inadvertently kneed Jake Weidert in the back of the helmet, deeply bruising his neck.
“The CT scan showed no trauma to the head,” Chris added. “It was all to the back of the neck.”
After being stretchered off the field, Jake was transported to Aurora Memorial Hospital in Burlington, where Demon coaches and administration showed up in full support of Jake.
“We are overwhelmed with all of the support, from texts to emails to prayers. We received so many well wishes,” Chris said.
“We’re just happy Jake is doing well. Burlington is a great place to live in.”
Jake needed to wear a neck brace, but by Monday, he was good to go.
Chris said his son will be a full practice participant Wednesday.
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