Texas referee filmed being tackled by John Jay players speaks out

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John Jay High School losing to Marble Falls when tackle took place
Referee appeared to have been deliberately hit by two John Jay players
Official, named locally as Robert Watts, has spoken out for the first time
Said he likes to 'keep quiet' but felt the need to talk after being 'slandered'
Players named locally as sophomore Victor Rojas and senior Mike Moreno
Pair allege that official used 'racist slur' against them before the incident
John Jay confirmed today that assistant coach has been suspended

Published: 11:12 EST, 8 September 2015 | Updated: 16:55 EST, 8 September 2015

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The referee filmed being tackled from behind by two football players in an alleged retaliation attack has spoken out for the first time.

The man, named locally as Robert Watts, a 14-year veteran of the game, said he usually likes 'to keep quiet' but felt he needs to speak out as 'libel and slander have been committed against me'.

Watts was likely referencing allegations by the two students that he had used a racial slur towards them before the incident.

Watts' comments came as police began investigating the John Jay High School players, named locally as sophomore Victor Rojas and senior Mike Moreno.

Two football players from John Jay High School were filmed tackling a referee from behind during a game against Marble Falls before diving into him on the floor

The official, named locally as Robert Watts, a 14-year veteran of the game, has now spoken out - saying that 'libel and slander have been committed against me'

Under Texas laws that specifically deal with attacks on sports officials, the pair could be facing up to six months behind bars and fines of up to $2,000.

Trouble flared during a game between John Jay and marble Falls High School on Friday as the two John Jay players looked to deliberately tackle Watts in the last minute of the game.

Speaking to Texashsfootball.com, Watts said: 'I like to keep my officiating quiet; unfortunately this will be big news.

'Libel and slander have already been committed against me. I will be contacting the appropriate people soon and any statement from me will come at a later date.'

A statement released today by John Jay school district says: 'The students involved allege that the official used a racial slur towards them and a Jay High School assistant coach made comments that could have led the students to make improper contact with the official.

'The assistant coach [Mack Breed] has been placed on administrative leave by the district while the investigation continues.

'The district is in the process of filing an official report to the Texas Association of Sports Officials regarding the racial slur allegations.'

Cops who are now investigating the incident also said today that they believe the players 'targeted' Watts during the game before he was 'blindsided' during a last-minute play.

Marble Falls had come from behind to take a 15-9 lead and were looking to run down the clock in the final minute of the game to claim victory.

The boys, named locally as Victor Rojas and Mike Moreno, were suspended from the team and from the school, but are now also being investigated by the police

Texas has specific laws to deal with attacks on sports officials, meaning the players are facing a maximum of six months in jail alongside a fine of up to $2,000 (pictured, the referee falls to the floor, center)

Watts was reported to have been preparing legal action after the tackle, meaning the two players could face even more trouble

Earlier in the match, the referee, who has also not been identified, had sent two John Jay players off the field for incidents in separate plays.

Apparently angered by his calls, the John Jay defensive backs waited for play to start on their 20-yard line before running at the official.

The first player, wearing a number 12 jersey, shoulder-barges the unsuspecting man in the back as he watches the play in front of him with enough forced to knock his hat off.

The second player, who seems to be wearing jersey 81, then dives in helmet first as the official lays winded on the ground before play is stopped and they are both sent off the field.

The tackle took place in the final minute of the game on Friday with Marble Falls attempting to run down the clock and hold on to a 15-9 lead

As play begins the unsuspecting official looks on while the John Jay defensive backs rush towards him, sprinting five yards before making contact

The first tackle (pictured) is hard enough to knock the official's hat off as he falls to the floor, before the second player (left) dives in helmet first

Pascual Gonzalez, a spokesman for the Northside Independent School District, called footage of the foul 'extremely disturbing' and said an investigation is being launched.

He said a hearing is now due to be held including interviews with officials, coaches and students.

Marble Falls coach Matt Green said John Jay coach Gary Gutierrez apologized after the game, before adding: 'I've coached 14 years and I've never seen anything like it.'

According to reports after the game, the official was 'very upset' by what happened, and could be planning legal action.

The penalties resulting from the illegal tackle handed Marble Falls a first down, and they were able to run out the clock for a 15-9 win.

Officials for the school district say they are planning a full investigation including interviews with the players, coaches and referee involved (pictured, the referee is pushed to the floor)

Marble Falls coach Matt Green said John Jay coach Gary Gutierrez apologized after the game, before adding: 'I've coached 14 years and I've never seen anything like it'

Marble Falls had opening the scoring in the game within just minutes of the starting whistle as they completed a 53 yard drive in 12 plays to bring the score to 7-0, according to the Daily Trib.

John Jay tied the score shortly afterwards with a 10-yard throw for a touchdown, before an end-zone sack of the Marble Falls quarterback left the score at 9-7.

However, with just over nine minutes left in the game, Marble Falls ran in another touchdown plus a two-point conversion to bring the score to 15-9, which is how it finished.