Coach Axed for Kicking Ball Into Player’s Groin at Practice
High School Football Coach Fired After Kicking Ball Hits Player in Groin
What Happened?
A high school football coach in Simi Valley, California lost his job after a video showed him kicking a football that accidentally hit a student player in a very sensitive area.
Here are the key facts:
- Who: Adam Brubaker, head football coach at Royal High School
- Where: Simi Valley, California
- When: During a recent practice, just hours before the season’s first game
- What: Coach kicked a ball → ball hit player in groin → player fell down in pain
- Result: Coach was fired by the school district
The Video Evidence
The school’s security camera recorded everything, and a news station (KABC) got the footage. Here’s what the video shows:
- Coach Brubaker looks visibly upset
- He walks toward a player
- He suddenly kicks a football lying nearby
- The ball strikes the player in the groin area
- The player immediately falls to the ground in pain
- Other adults rush over to help the student
Coach’s Explanation: "It Was an Accident"
Coach Brubaker spoke to the news station and explained his side:
"I kicked the ball and it hit him in the groin area and instantly I felt like I was going to pass out. I feel obviously a great deal of remorse for what happened. It’s a one in a million shot."
His version of events:
- Not intentional: He says he was not aiming at the player
- Why he was mad: A player had violently pulled a running back to the ground during drills — something not allowed because it could cause injuries
- Apologized right away: After practice ended, he went to the player and said sorry
- Feels terrible: Says the last few days have been "the hardest of my life" for him and his family
School District’s Response: Immediate Action
The Simi Valley Unified School District reviewed the video and acted fast:
Official Statement from the Principal
"The District has completed its review of the incident from earlier this week. As a result, the leadership of Royal High School’s football program will immediately change."
What Changed Right Away:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Adam Brubaker = Head Coach | Fired |
| Coach’s photo on staff page | Removed — now shows "Vacant" |
| Season opener tonight | Cody MacArthur steps in as Head Coach |
| Permanent replacement | Interim coach to be named soon |
The district said their focus now is:
- Supporting the student-athletes
- Providing stability for the program
- Helping the team move forward together
Coach Accepts the Decision
Brubaker told reporters he understands why the district fired him, even though he maintains it was an accident. He acknowledged the seriousness of what happened and the impact on everyone involved.
[!IMPORTANT]
Key Takeaways
- Student safety comes first — schools have zero tolerance for actions that put kids at risk, even if accidental
- Actions have consequences — a moment of frustration led to losing a career
- Video evidence matters — security cameras capture the truth
- The team continues — new leadership steps in so students can still play
Summary
In simple terms: A coach got angry during practice, kicked a football in frustration, and it accidentally hit a player in a very painful spot. The whole thing was caught on camera. The school district watched the video, decided the coach couldn’t stay, and fired him right before the first game of the season. The coach says it was a terrible accident and he’s very sorry. A new coach is taking over so the team can keep playing.
FAQ
Was the coach trying to hurt the student?
No. Both the coach and the video suggest it was an accident. He kicked the ball out of frustration, not aiming at the player. But the result was still harmful.
Why was he fired if it was an accident?
Because coaches are responsible for student safety. Even accidental actions that endanger kids — especially when driven by anger — violate the trust schools place in coaches. The district prioritized student wellbeing.
What happens to the team now?
They keep playing! Cody MacArthur is coaching the season opener, and an interim head coach will be named soon. The district wants to provide stability for the players.
Did the student get seriously hurt?
The article says the player "fell to the ground in pain" but doesn’t give medical details. The adults on site immediately tended to him.
Can the coach get his job back?
The article doesn’t mention an appeal process. He said he "understands" the decision, which suggests he accepts it. The position currently shows as "Vacant" on the school website.