Brunswick wins appeal as GHSA lifts player penalties
A bench-clearing fight erupts during the Gainesville–Brunswick playoff game, with players spilling onto the field as officials and coaches rush in to break up the chaos on November 21, 2025. (FOX 5 Atlanta obtained permission from the rights holder)
BRUNSWICK, Ga. - Brunswick High’s football program will remain eligible for postseason play next year after the Georgia High School Association’s Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to overturn nearly all of the player suspensions tied to a second round playoff brawl with Gainesville.
Brunswick Pirates win appeal
What we know:
The board met virtually to hear an appeal from Brunswick Principal Slade Turner and District Athletic Director Steve Waters, who argued the school should face penalties consistent with recent similar incidents. According to meeting minutes, trustees voted 11-1 to overturn 39 suspensions and downgrade the program’s probation status to a severe warning. Waters, who also serves on the board, abstained.
GHSA sanctions Brunswick, Gainesville after brawl
The backstory:
The GHSA had originally suspended 41 Brunswick players, a decision that drew scrutiny after Gainesville successfully won a court injunction overturning its own suspensions from the same fight. Gainesville argued the GHSA had been inconsistent when compared to an August bench clearing incident involving Northeast and Southwest High Schools in Macon.
The two Brunswick players who were ejected during the game will still serve a one-game suspension. Fines issued to Brunswick and Gainesville were not part of the appeal and will remain in place.
The controversy stemmed from a playoff game between Gainesville and Brunswick that erupted into a bench-clearing fight, prompting the GHSA to suspend 39 Gainesville players as video of the brawl spread online. The ruling jeopardized the Red Elephants’ postseason run, leaving most of the roster sidelined ahead of the Class 5A quarterfinals.
Gainesville challenged the decision in Hall County Superior Court, arguing the suspensions were overly broad and did not account for individual conduct. A judge granted an injunction blocking the penalties and clearing most players to return while the legal dispute continued. The GHSA appealed, briefly delaying Gainesville’s scheduled matchup against Langston Hughes.
As court proceedings unfolded, FOX 5 Atlanta reported incremental roster updates as players regained eligibility. By December 1, Gainesville confirmed all suspended players had been reinstated, allowing the team to take the field at full strength.
Brunswick head coach quits
What we don't know:
The Glynn County School System did initiate an internal investigation and announced there would be sanctions, but it remains unclear what actions were taken.
Brunswick Coach Garrett Grady also resigned in the aftermath, leaving an opening for the team's top spot.
Red Elephants vs. Rome Wolves
What's next:
The Red Elephants won their quarterfinal matchup against Langston Hughes and will face the Rome Wolves in the semifinals Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Source: The details in this article come from the Georgia High School Association’s Board of Trustees, with previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting also used.