BRUNSWICK, Ga. – A few Brunswick High School football players have taken to social media to apologize for their roles in last week’s brawl with Gainesville High School.
RELATED: Football brawl costly for Brunswick: no playoffs for a year, $5K fine, 41 suspensions
It happened during the third quarter of the Georgia High School Association 5A playoff game. The team they fought against was Gainesville High School
The fight led the GHSA to suspend 41 Brunswick players, fine the school $5,000, place the football program on probation for the 2026–27 school year and rule the team ineligible for postseason play next season. GHSA also suspended 39 Gainesville players and fined the school $5,000, though four Gainesville players were later reinstated, according to the AJC.
One of the Brunswick players, Isreal Henry, posted a public apology online, writing in part, “I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for my behavior during the recent game. My participation in the altercation was entirely unacceptable, and I accept full responsibility for allowing my emotions to compromise my judgment.”
His mother, India Henry, said she was proud of her son and other players for speaking out, taking accountability and asking to gain the community’s trust back.
“When my son took it upon himself to put that out there, I thought that was just an act of bravery,” India said. “Act of leadership and a great dose of showing integrity.”
India and a local Brunswick coach, Toi, also questioned whether the GHSA’s penalties went too far.
“Suspending them I understand that but they have to deal with whatever the consequences may be,” Coach Toi said. “But giving them a year ban out of the playoffs, honestly to me, that was a little harsh.”
Both Coach Toi and India said the most difficult part has been seeing community members degrade the players online, using terms like “thugs” and accusing them of lacking home training.
“For me, I just want people to take it easy on them,” Coach Toi said. “Give them grace. As adults, we make mistakes too, and we’re given grace. These boys are human.”
India said she believes the team has learned from the incident and hopes nothing like it happens again.
Glynn County Assistant Superintendent Steve Waters said in a statement that the school accepts the GHSA’s ruling.
“On behalf of the Glynn County School System, we thank the GHSA, Dr. Scott and his staff for their leadership and swift resolution,” Waters said. “Their decision has been made, and we will fully support and comply with all sanctions issued to the Brunswick High School football program.”