Arizona high school football turmoil grows as dismissed QB returns, media denied access

Arizona high school football turmoil grows as dismissed QB returns, media denied access.

Key points

• He remarked he watched Desert Ridge's 49-7 loss to Mesa Red Mountain on Oct.
• Brewer's dismissal followed Desert Ridge's 14-12 win against Vail Cienega on Oct.
• Smith, who was hired last December, had not publicly responded to The Republic's requests for comment regarding Brewer's dismissal in the reporting available Thursday night.
• Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @AlexMartinUSAT or via email: [email protected].
• Smith is in his first season leading the Jaguars, with assistance from his father, former NFL head coach Lovie Smith.

Meanwhile, a former starting quarterback returned from dismissal to backing his teammates Thursday night, Oct. As a dispute engulfing an Arizona high school football program took another turn, with school authorities denying media members access to the game, 15.

Desert Ridge High School (Mesa, AZ) athletic director Kevin Swann turned away Arizona Republic reporter Richard Obert and a photographer attempting to cover the Jaguars' matchup against Corona del Sol on Thursday, Oct. 15. Swann remarked he was acting under a directive from Gilbert Public Schools. The Arizona Republic is part of the USA TODAY Network.

In practice, the decision came against the backdrop of mounting scrutiny of Desert Ridge's handling of former quarterback Gunner Brewer's dismissal and the subsequent suspensions of 12 players who advocated for his return.

Brewer, a senior who was removed from the team Monday, Oct. 5, attended Thursday's game despite no longer being part of the program. He spoke with reporters outside the stadium, where a district spokesperson remarked video recording was not permitted on school property.

"I can't give up on my brothers, " Brewer informed The Republic. "I want to support my brothers."

For context, the circumstances surrounding Brewer's departure have divided families associated with the program, with some questioning the coach's decision and others defending his efforts to establish accountability in a team coming off a winless season.

Notably, the district's rationale for restricting media access had not been publicly explained in the reporting available Thursday night. Dispute began with a play on the field.

Brewer wanted his running back to carry the ball to secure a first down and support close out the victory. He remarked the play worked and that he hadn't been informed he could not change a call.

Brewer's dismissal followed Desert Ridge's 14-12 win against Vail Cienega on Oct. 2. His mother, Marie Brewer, remarked coach Miles Smith removed her son from the team after he changed a play during the game.

"I never expected it, " Brewer remarked in an interview with The Republic. "I never got told it was bad to call an audible."

In an interview with AZ Family, a CBS TV station local to the area, Brewer offered extra context concerning his decision. He remarked changing plays at the line of scrimmage had been permitted under the team's previous offensive coordinator. This person was fired at the end of September. Brewer remarked he trusted his running back to secure the first down.

Brewer remarked he was disappointed to lose the opportunity to finish his senior season. While adding 359 rushing yards and six scores, through six games, he had completed 101 of 203 passes for 1, 212 yards and nine touchdowns.

Smith, who was hired last December, had not publicly responded to The Republic's requests for comment regarding Brewer's dismissal in the reporting available Thursday night. Dozen players suspended after supporting Brewer.

When players met with Smith to discuss the decision, the dispute escalated two days after Brewer's dismissal. According to parents, approximately 12 players indicated they wanted Brewer reinstated before leaving the session.

All 12 were subsequently suspended for the remainder of the season, including five seniors. Underclassmen have been informed they can return to the team in the offseason.

According to Brewer, the players approached coaches the after Monday to express disagreement with his dismissal. He remarked the suspensions followed their show of backing.

"They definitely had my back, " Brewer remarked in his interview with AZ Family. "And I have theirs 100%."

Swann addressed the session in a letter to football parents reviewed by The Republic. He remarked players were given an opportunity to voice their opinions concerning Brewer's removal and that a sizeable number raised their hands in backing of bringing the quarterback back.

Swann additionally stated players indicated Smith had treated them fairly. According to his letter, players and coaches interviewed regarding the gathering denied that Smith had raised his voice, disrespected players or informed them to leave practice.

Notably, the letter remarked the gathering concluded with instructions for players to separate into their offensive and defensive groups. A group then chose to leave practice.

Notably, the differing accounts have left questions regarding the gathering and the resulting suspensions unresolved.

One parent, whose son remains on the team defended Smith's approach, saying that rebuilding a program requires players to accept uncomfortable decisions and constructive criticism.

Desert Ridge went 0-10 last season. Smith is in his first season leading the Jaguars, with assistance from his father, former NFL head coach Lovie Smith.

For context, the elder Smith additionally became part of the public dispute after a confrontation connected to the controversy circulated in a viral video. Brewer notes he still supports the program.

For Brewer, Thursday's return was regarding maintaining his connection to teammates he has played alongside for years.

He remarked he watched Desert Ridge's 49-7 loss to Mesa Red Mountain on Oct. 9 from the stands and returned the after week as he did not want to abandon the team.

Brewer remarked he had previously been informed to leave when he attempted to support at a game and to stay away from the field house and players. His account raises questions regarding whether the circumstances surrounding his Thursday appearance differed from those of the previous week.

Brewer additionally praised the 12 players who backed him, saying their decision demonstrated the strength of their relationships.

Despite his frustration, Brewer remarked he holds no ill will toward the coaching staff.

"I still love the coaching staff, " he remarked. "I love them, no matter what. I know they're doing what's best."

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @AlexMartinUSAT or via email: [email protected]. For extra high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

In short, arizona high school football turmoil grows as dismissed QB returns, media denied is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.