Rehobeth Football Players stage walk-out to protest coach | News

DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - Enough is enough - that's the word from parents and players of the Rehobeth High School Football team. Monday afternoon a number of players and their families decided to take matters into their own hands by staging a walk-out.

At 1:00 p.m. players walked out of classes and were checked out of school by their parents, hoping to grab School Administrator's attention - they want changes made to the football program starting with the dismissal of the coach.

Players and parents are fed up with losing and believe the coaching staff is to blame, especially head coach Neil Rumble - in the past three years the team has only won three games.

Most of the students involved with the walk-out were seniors and starters. Some players say if their requests are not met, they're willing to forfeit and sacrifice the entire season.

"The players have talked among themselves, and they said if it takes sitting out the whole season, that's what they'll do for a change," said Frankie Barthlemess, Rebels Club President.

Elaine Perkins's son is a senior on the football team and was involved in the walk-out. She said the school, players, parents and coaches all need to come to a common understanding.

"Everybody needs to get together and decide what's best. What's going to be best for our team and our boys? They've worked very hard. My son has played hard for ten years to get to where he is today. I want him to keep going. He wants to make a career out of football and I want him to keep going. But, we have to be out there. And we have to play and play well. We have to win some games and everybody has to play together," explained Perkins.

Rehobeth High School administrators don't agree - they say Coach Rumble isn't going anywhere.

Rehobeth High School Principal Matt Swann says the school has a contract with Rumble to coach for the duration of the school year - and they're not willing to break that contract.