First, it is important to note that the player Brown kicked, Jermaine Holmes, had apparently had an altercation with a player on a previous play and was not penalized.
Second, some say that Brown was by no means the instigator and was only sticking up for himself and his teammates. No other player was ejected or penalized.
In addition, referees at the time huddled with Tulsa Washington's Head Coach while ordering Shawnee's to remain on the sideline. Fairness is at issue, claim Brown's supporters.
Beyond all of that, however, Brown's lawyers argued the rule does not specify playoff games but rather "regularly scheduled" games. If the boy had to serve a suspension, it should be during regular season games rather than in the postseason.The OSSAA argued a couple of points in its effort to affirm their ruling.
Rules are rules. Despite what other issues came about because of this game, the fact that Tucker Brown kicked Jermaine Holmes is not in doubt. The rule is clear and undeniable, the OSSAA says. If the court allows Brown to play, all authority is essentially lost.
In addition, the OSSAA says that postseason games are regularly schedule games since the playoff game sites and times are set in advance of the season.
Outcome
On December 8th, 2005, the Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Brown vs. OSSAA. By a 8-1 vote, the court affirmed the ruling of the OSSAA and rejected Brown's appeal to be reinstated.In their written opinion, the justices asserted that the calls on the field were made in good faith in their estimation. The rules of a voluntary association, "absent fraudulent, collusive, unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious behavior" could not be overturned.
Shawnee, with their back-up quarterback starting and Brown not in uniform, will play Tulsa East Central in the 5A semi-final game on Saturday, December 10th.
So, what do you think about the ruling?
POLL: Was the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling rejecting Shawnee quarterback Tucker Brown's appeal of OSSAA rules the correct one?
1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided
