The Committee That Oversees High School Sports In Texas Has Dropped The Hammer On A Football Coach In Palestine.

In a story that is being talked about statewide, an East Texas High School football coach will be spending his Friday nights at home away from his team after a committee ruled that the coach stole signals from an opponent.

Luckily for his team, their perfect season remains in tact.

Palestine Westwood head coach Richard Bishop has been recommended for suspension for the rest of the 2024 season.

In a story first reported by Dave Campbell's Texas Football, Westwood High coach Richard Bishop was recommended for suspension following a District 9-3A Division 1 committee meeting following allegations that he videotaped opponents signals while scouting on Oct. 21st.

In a meeting with UIL officials on Oct. 24th, the committee ultimately voted to suspend Bishop from the regular season, post season games and will remain in probation for the 2025-2026 school year. However the UIL committee said Bishop can participate in football activities next year.

Several People Testified At The UIL Hearing Including The Westwood ISD employee who was Accused Of Taping Their Opponents.

During the committee hearing, Donald McCoy, an IT employee at Westwood High School, testified that he had been at the Fairfield vs Teague game and had recorded videos for his long distance girlfriend in Virginia. Bishop claimed he was not aware that McCoy had been recording.

However, Fairfield coaches at the press box during the game said in the second quarter of the game they reportedly noticed McCoy recording the plays and zooming in and out at their coaches’ hand gestures. Despite a plea from Westwood ISD Superintendent Wade Stanton, the committee ultimately didn't buy McCoy's or Bishop's reasoning and voted to suspend both of them including McCoy who is suspended from all UIL activities for the 2024-2025 school year.

As For The Panthers, their undefeated season continues.

Palestine Westwood is currently undefeated in district play and 7-0 overall with a top 10 ranking in some state high school polls but the committee's decision could see them drop in those polls.

The committee voted not to forfeit any games which would allow the players to continue Friday night’s game against Teague even though some members thought a number of, but not all, games should be forfeited.