Carroll High School football coach Steve McLendon has been suspended by the Alabama High School Athletic Association following an altercation during the team’s game at Andalusia last week.
The AHSAA announced the disciplinary action on September 16, stating that McLendon will miss Carroll High’s next two football games. The school was also fined and placed on probation following a violation of the association’s Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rule.
McLendon, a former NFL defensive lineman, is in his first season as head football coach at Carroll High School in Ozark. Before moving into coaching, he spent more than a decade playing in the NFL, including time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
AHSAA Announces Two Game Suspension
According to the official AHSAA release cited by AL.com, Carroll High School was fined and placed on probation, while its varsity head football coach received a two game suspension.
The disciplinary action follows an altercation during Carroll High’s game at Andalusia. The available report does not provide extensive details about what happened during the incident, but the AHSAA classified the matter as a violation of its Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rule.
McLendon will therefore be absent from the sideline for Carroll High’s next two football games. The suspension comes as the high school football season continues across Alabama.
The AHSAA regularly handles disciplinary matters involving member schools and athletic programs when conduct during games violates its established rules.
Former NFL Player Now Leading Carroll High
McLendon brings extensive professional football experience to his role at Carroll High. He played defensive line in the NFL and appeared in Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
His transition from professional football to high school coaching has made him a notable figure around the Carroll High program. The latest suspension, however, means the team will have to continue without its head coach on the sideline for two games.
Carroll High School is based in Ozark, Alabama, and competes in Class 4A football. The school will also remain on probation following the AHSAA ruling.
The suspension is specifically connected to the altercation at Andalusia and the resulting unsportsmanlike conduct violation. The AHSAA’s decision establishes the immediate consequences for both McLendon and Carroll High School.
As the season continues, attention will turn to how Carroll High handles the upcoming games while McLendon serves his two game suspension. The coach is expected to return after completing the suspension imposed by the state athletic association.
