Costa Mesa Lineman Suspended One Game for His Part in Brawl

Adam Hernandez, a defensive lineman with the Costa Mesa High School football team, has been suspended for one game for his involvement in a bench-clearing brawl during a game against Laguna Beach Friday night.

Costa Mesa Principal Mike Murphy said Hernandez, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior, will sit out the Mustangs’ Pacific Coast League game against Estancia Friday night for allegedly hitting a referee during a 38-0 victory at Newport Harbor High School.

Hernandez was ejected from the game along with teammates Mike Cota and Don Hill, and Laguna Beach’s Mike Roberts. Cota and Hill were not suspended, but have been placed on probation and will receive counseling about the incident, Murphy said.

“We want them to behave like gentlemen, tough football players but gentleman,” said Murphy, who met with the team Tuesday.

Laguna Beach Principal Barbara Callard said Monday that Roberts also will receive counseling.

The fight started between two players with 10 minutes 26 seconds remaining in the third quarter. A scuffle between two players evolved into a melee between coaches, officials, a few fans and a chain-crew worker.

Murphy said the schools have exchanged game films and are planning a meeting between administrators, coaches and players.

“We’re going to improve our sideline control, too,” Murphy said. “In the past, we’ve let parents, alumni and others down on the field, and they tend to incite people when they’re down there.”