WEATHERFORD, Texas — A shocking moment at a Texas junior college baseball game.
In a matchup between Weatherford College and North Central Texas College, pitcher Owen Woodward tackled batter Josh Phillips after giving up a home run.
Phillips was tackled so hard that you can see his helmet fly off after the hit.
The whole incident was captured on the TSRN Sports broadcast.
Woodward was handed a four-game suspension, while Phillips received a two-game suspension for their actions during the game, according to the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference.
The conference also handed two-game suspensions for "all team members for NCTC that were in the dugout or bullpen."
Weatherford College Athletics said they handed down further punishment for Woodward. He has been dismissed from the team.
The game was also ruled a double-forfeit, leaving both teams with a loss.
What happened
As Josh Phillips begins rounding third base, Owen Woodward is seen gearing up before he loses it and tackles Phillips.
Woodward, a Texas native, was also a high school quarterback and linebacker at Breckenridge High School before playing baseball at Lubbock Christian University.
He has also signed a letter of intent with the University of Houston. The UH Athletics spokesperson told KHOU 11's Jason Bristol that they are aware of the situation, but not be commenting further.
Somehow after the hit, Phillips was able to get up and touch home plate.
Phillips, a Cypress native, is first baseman for the Lions who also attended Bridgeland High School.
The game was immediately suspended after the incident and Woodward has since apologized.
Statement from Weatherford College coach
The following statement was released by Woodward's head baseball coach and assistant athletic director Jeff Lightfoot:
“We are shocked and disappointed at what happened in our game today,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “We do not condone this type of behavior. We have worked hard to build a program with the highest of standards. We are completely embarrassed by this incident, and we apologize to North Central Texas College and the fans of WC baseball. This type of behavior cannot be tolerated.”
Statement from North Central Texas College
On Friday morning, NCTC said it plans to appeal the suspension. Here is their full official statement:
"North Central Texas College (“NCTC” or “College”) is complying with an ongoing investigation by Weatherford College, local law enforcement, and the National Junior College Athletic Association (“NJCAA”) pursuant to the altercation at the Wednesday, April 20, 2022, baseball game between NCTC and Weatherford College. NCTC has provided assistance and will continue to support its student-athletes involved and/or injured as part of the incident at Weatherford College.
The College is aware of the conference ruling planned two (2) game suspension imposed upon NCTC pursuant to the altercation, and plans to appeal any such suspension or other disciplinary action levied upon NCTC’s program and its student-athletes in accordance with the NJCAA Handbook or applicable NJCAA Policy Manual.
NCTC will continue to cooperate with the NJCAA and Weatherford College as the investigation continues, and will follow the appropriate appeal process if necessary. No further comment from NCTC will be provided during the pendency of this investigation and/or appeal."
The two schools are scheduled to play again Saturday.