High School Football Coach Arrested for Allegedly Punching Player

An Atlanta Public Schools volunteer football coach has been arrested for allegedly punching and shoving an opposing player during a game on Friday, September 11, 2026. The coach, Emardre Brown of Therrell High School, has since been released on bond.

The incident occurred during a game between the Temple High Tigers and the Therrell High Panthers. According to Temple Police Detective Andrew Mitchell, a facemask dispute escalated into a fight between players. During this melee, Brown is accused of shoving a Temple player and punching him through his facemask.

The player's family transported him to urgent care and subsequently pressed charges against Brown. Records from Carroll County, Georgia, indicate Brown faces charges including cruelty to children in the first degree, battery, and simple assault. He does not currently have an attorney listed.

Atlanta Public Schools released a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that Brown is no longer coaching within the district. "As a result of the allegations and arrest, the volunteer coach is no longer serving as a coach for APS," the district stated.

Online records show an Emardre Brown who played linebacker for Douglas County High School and later for Point University, a school located on Georgia's border with Alabama. He was last listed on the Point University roster in 2019.