During a routine football practice at Royal High School in Simi Valley, California, coach Adam Brubaker kicked a football that struck a student in the groin, an incident captured on video and quickly circulated among parents and staff.
Witnesses said the coach had been shouting at players moments before the ball left his foot, and the footage showed the ball sailing directly into the athlete’s midsection. The student winced, and the practice was halted as trainers rushed to assess the injury.
A Coach’s Apology and the School’s Decision
Brubaker later issued a public apology, describing the collision as an "extremely rare accident" and emphasizing that he never intended to cause harm. He expressed remorse for the student’s pain and for the disruption to the team’s preparation.
The Simi Valley Unified School District reviewed the incident and, after a brief deliberation, terminated Brubaker’s employment before the team’s scheduled Friday night game. District officials cited a duty to protect student‑athletes and to uphold the school’s code of conduct for staff.
Season Momentum Amid Controversy
Despite finishing the previous season with a 3‑7 record, Royal High entered the 2026 campaign with a dominant 62‑0 victory over the Monroe Vikings. The school’s statement after the dismissal highlighted its commitment to supporting student‑athletes and maintaining stability within the football program.
Community members have voiced mixed reactions, with some praising the district’s swift action and others questioning whether the punishment was proportionate given the coach’s remorse and the accidental nature of the injury. As the team moves forward, the incident continues to shape discussions about safety protocols and accountability in high school sports.