PALESTINE, Texas — A committee has recommended that Westwood ISD head football coach Richard Bishop be suspended.
Superintendent Wade Stanford confirmed that the 9-3A Division I District Executive Committee recommended that Bishop be suspended. Stanford emphasized that this is only a recommendation and only the UIL State Executive Committee has the authority to issue a suspension.
In a statement, the district said the district executive committee ruled that Westwood ISD football will forfeit all district games. WISD said the recommendation comes after the committee identified a rules violation.
The school district is waiting for a date to present evidence again to the UIL. Suspension ruling reports are false as it is simply a recommendation, Stanford said.
According to Dave Campbell's Texas Football, Bishop is accused of videotaping opponents while scouting. The football news outlet said Westwood would have to forfeit all district games for the 2024 season.
The Westwood Panthers are 7-0 in the season and 2-0 in district games.
"The district remains committed to ensuring fairness and maintaining the integrity of the game while addressing this situation," Westwood ISD said in its statement.
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