Apparently, Mike DePue's ride into the sunset will require a toll.
DePue told the Times this afternoon he has been fined $250 by the Florida High School Athletic Association "for questioning officials" at the end of the Knights' 24-20 loss Friday to Tallahassee Godby. Additionally, right guard Ted Kelly received a three-month suspension from participation in FHSAA-sanctioned events for angrily confronting an official, DePue said.
Kelly, a senior, plays no other sports for Robinson, DePue said.
The officials' report from the contest wasn't immediately available, and FHSAA spokesman Corey Sobers didn't immediately respond to an e-mail from the Times.
"We're appealing (the fine)," said DePue, who is retiring as a teacher at the end of the school year and will officially resign as Knights coach on Tuesday.
The game ended in controversy when Knights receiver Austin Eads caught a Zain Gilmore pass on second down and landed on his back near the first-down marker inside Godby's 15-yard line. Instead of stopping to measure, officials allowed the final seconds to tick away; Robinson had no time-outs.
Moments later, Knights players and coaches spilled onto the field clamoring for an explanation. DePue acknowledges seeking out the officials, but said he used no profanity toward them.
"I never cursed," he said. "There was no clarification when they were leaving the field. We felt an injustice had occurred. ... I did not charge them, I did not incite a riot."