CLAYTON, Mo. (CN) - A standout prep football player who allegedly threatened a teacher say the Hazelwood School District's punishment could cost him a college scholarship. Darris Ford demands reinstatement to the Hazelwood East High School football team.
Ford seek a temporary restraining order in St. Louis County Court. He was suspended from school and from the team on Oct. 8. The Hazelwood School District held a hearing on Oct. 21, found no further punishment necessary and Ford was allowed to return to school on Oct. 23, but refused to reinstate him to the football team.
Ford claims his inability to play football threatens his scholarship offer to play football for a Division I university. Ford is represented by Thayer Weaver of St. Louis.
Ford has orally committed to play for the University of Missouri next fall, but cannot sign his scholarship until February. Missouri is ranked No. 14 in the country and was ranked as high as No. 3 earlier this season.
Hazelwood East is a Missouri high school football power. East has won two state titles and seven former East players have gone on to the National Football League.
Follow @@joeharris_stlSubscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.