Reports: Texas HS Football Players Hospitalized After Coach Forces 400 Push-ups As Punishment

Local sources state that some Texas high school football players were taken to the hospital after their coach made them complete up to 400 push-ups in an hour as punishment.

John Harrell, the head football coach at Rockwall-Heath High School, has been placed on administrative leave while a third party looks into the matter, the institution informed parents in a letter, according to Dallas’ Fox station.

JUST IN – Eight Texas high school students were taken to the hospital after being forced to perform 400 push-ups in an hour without water breaks

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 12, 2023

At the prestigious public school just outside of Dallas, the alleged event allegedly took place on Friday during an eighth-period physical education class.

According to the Dallas Morning News, one mother alleges that her son was made to perform 300 to 400 push-ups without any water breaks. She did not want to be named for fear of reprisal.

400 push ups.

Genuinely should be criminal. https://t.co/I57tjAEV48

— Cian O Brien (@cianobriain) January 11, 2023

The newspaper reported that after being admitted to the hospital, her son was found to have rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to renal failure or damage.

According to the newspaper, at least eight students who played football required hospitalisation as a result of the intense workout.

Lmao 400 push-ups should take you 10-20 minutes. 40-50 push ups a set. https://t.co/TJxTmWGd8b

— sparrtan36 (@J_McCarthy36) January 12, 2023

Officials said in the letter to parents that the school was made aware of what occurred on Monday and that action was taken right afterwards.

“Please know the district immediately implemented measures to address the situation and provide support for our students.”

400 push-ups as a punishment is just stupid.

Kids had to go to the hospital and a man may lose his job and have a tarnished reputation because school systems are still content to leave unqualified individuals in charge of their children’s physical preparation.

Hire S&C’s. https://t.co/gxYnyMYl4G

— Brandon Davis, CSCS (@Brandon_L_Davis) January 11, 2023

“The district is also taking interim action, including but not limited to, placing Coach Harrell on administrative leave while the investigation is pending and notifying appropriate outside agencies. District administrators and campus personnel have been in contact with the affected families and student-athletes,” the letter read, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Harrell has been a part of the Rockwall-Heath football programme since 2019 and has been the head coach there for a year.

He has also served as a coach at other north Texas schools.