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Two years after he participated in what some have called one of the darkest events in state high school history, a local athlete may find himself back on the football field. The University Interscholastic League’s State Executive Committee voted 5-0 last month to allow Jay High School student Victor Rojas to return to athletic competition as a senior next fall.

“The UIL ruled in the direction of forgiveness. I think when you’re in the kid business, you always feel good about a second chance,” Jay High School football coach Gary Gutierrez told the Express-News.

We agree.

“Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget what happened, but it allows you an avenue for a brighter future,” Gutierrez said. “I expect him to hold himself to a high standard and show everybody that his second chance doesn’t go in vain.”

Rojas was one of two Jay High School students indefinitely suspended in the winter of 2015 by the UIL, the organization that oversees public school athletes in Texas, after what appeared to be a premeditated attack on a football official was captured on a video that went viral on the internet and was viewed by millions.

An investigation revealed that the attack was directed by former Jay assistant coach Mack Breed. The coach later resigned under pressure, pleaded guilty to a Class A misdemeanor assault for his role in the attack, was fined $1,500, ordered to perform 90 hours of community service, and directed to pay a portion of Robert Watts medical bills as part of his restitution. He also lost his Texas teaching certification.

The other student, Mike Moreno, who has since graduated and enrolled in college, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and was given deferred adjudication, a fine, assessed community service and restitution. Rojas was a minor at the time of the incident, and juvenile court records are not public.

Rojas, who was a sophomore at the time of the incident, was initially suspended from school by the Northside Independent School District. Later, school officials changed the punishment and sent Rojas and Moreno to an alternative in-district school for 75 days to continue their education.

The disturbing video from the Sept. 4, 2015, Marble Falls-Jay High football game launched a national debate on the consequences for such actions. There are those who would argue Rojas should not be allowed to return to high school sports.

His youth and immaturity, and his coach’s improper suggestion all played a role in this case. We think the message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated has been sent loud and clear not only to Rojas but to all athletes.

Rojas has shown remorse, stayed out of trouble and achieved a good academic record. We wish him well if he plays football next season.

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