High school coach in Gilbert caught deflating footballs during game, AIA says

GILBERT, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- An assistant coach at the American Leadership Academy in Gilbert is accused of deflating footballs during Friday night’s game against Gilbert High School.

According to the Arizona Interscholastic Association, the coach was spotted deflating the footballs sometime during the first half of the game. He was reportedly ejected, and the team received a 15-yard “unsportsmanlike” penalty during the kickoff of the second half.

Rules state that footballs must be properly inflated to NFHS standards, listed as 12½ to 13½ psi. And since the AIA cannot directly penalize infractions or individuals, it’s now up to school administrators to address the report and determine the consequences the coach may face.

A spokeswoman for ALA said it was aware of what happened at Gilbert North. “We are working closely with the AIA to gather further information about the incident and are conducting an internal investigation. We will take appropriate action after the conclusion of the investigation,” she said in a statement.

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