Story
Keith Byars out as Boca Raton football coach
Thursday, September 22, 2011
by
Jeff Greer
After three days of speculation, it's official: Keith Byars is no longer football coach at Boca Raton.
According to a statement released by Nat Harrington, spokesman for Palm Beach County schools, Boca Raton High on Thursday named Lewis Burnham coach of its football team. The statement did not name Byars, the former Dolphins running back who allegedly pushed his team's starting quarterback during a game against Jupiter last Friday and faced dismissal after pressure from parents.
Byars met with his players and assistant coaches after school Thursday to inform them of the departure, sources close to the situation said.
Byars' dismissal had been rumored since his meeting with Boca Raton Principal Geoff McKee on Tuesday evening, but the school wanted to handle the situation delicately because of concerns about tensions involving Byars' son and his teammates. Keith Byars II is the Bobcats' leading rusher this season.
Byars and the school declined comment Thursday.
The incident isn't without local precedent. Benjamin football coach Ron Ream was forced to resign after he allegedly put his hands on a player during a 2009 practice. Ream was reinstated days later amid overwhelming support from the community.
There did not appear to be as much support for Byars on community message boards as word spread this week of his pending dismissal.
Burnham, who was Byars' offensive line coach and is the interim athletic director at Boca, was the obvious choice to replace Byars for the remainder of the season.
Boca Raton does not play this week. Its next game is Sept. 30 at Glades Central.
Because Byars, 47, is a non-salaried employee, his departure does not require school board approval.
Byars coached Boca for two-plus seasons. He was 14-11 during his tenure, including a trip to the regional semifinals in his first season as coach. The team struggled in 2010, finishing 4-6 and missing the playoffs after two consecutive post-season berths. Boca Raton is off to a 1-2 start to this season.
Byars replaced Eddie Giersbrook, who was forced out in 2009 amid a Florida High School Athletic Association investigation into his program for illegal recruiting practices. Boca Raton was placed on two years' probation, fined $5,000 and vacated its 2008 wins as a result of the FHSAA investigation,
Byars was an All-America at Ohio State before playing 13 years in the NFL. He played for the Eagles (1986-92), Dolphins (1993-96), Patriots (1996-97) and Jets (1998) and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1993 while with the Dolphins.
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User Comments:
Hail to the Victors! commented on September 22, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.: report abuse
Byars went the way of Woody Hayes...except Woody hit a player from a different team!
Go Blue!
Just listening commented on September 22, 2011 at 6:50 p.m.: report abuse
This is not FLAG FOOTBALL get over it.These young will have to grow up someday. Let your kid play soccer or lacrosse so you can baby them. A shove in the chest wth pads on GET REAL.
David commented on September 22, 2011 at 7:18 p.m.: report abuse
So let me get this straight.......these parents allow their children to participate in a sport that has kids getting hit so hard it knocks them out and can kill the....head hits and concussions lead to future brain damage....and they are whining about a little padded shove on the sidelines?
softy commented on September 22, 2011 at 7:25 p.m.: report abuse
he lost the job when he changed the design of the helmets...it was just a matter of time.
Just saying commented on September 22, 2011 at 7:34 p.m.: report abuse
What a shame !!! If this would have happen @ Boynton High, He would still have a job.. But;when you are dealing with the Boca High parents ,It is an different ball game..A little push is not going to hurt him, wait til he gets to college,I asure you he will get push around...Just saying.....I feel for Mr.Byars and his kids, We all need a job!!!!
Sad Day commented on September 22, 2011 at 7:36 p.m.: report abuse
This marks a sad day for Boca Raton football. Losing a great teacher, who played countless years of NFL football, for a petty incident like this? Some of these parents who have been complaining are just upset that there kid doesn't play and they are directing their frustrations elsewhere. Man up, this is football, coaches are allowed to slap players on the pads. It's just a shame that it went down like this.
student commented on September 22, 2011 at 7:47 p.m.: report abuse
Coach Toe needs to get back on the sideline, even if it's as an "assistant"
happy day commented on September 22, 2011 at 7:48 p.m.: report abuse
A great teacher??? Please the man cannot hold a conversation..this has nothing to do with upset parents complaining about there kids not playing, this is about this man being disrespectful to players on and off the field...this is a man who tells kids they suck...he told me my son would be a "hard sell" to a college recruiter..now he is playing college football on a scholarship..on college signing day a boca high a coach pulled me aside to warn me Byars was mad my son was signing...he refused to shake my sons hand after signing and never said congratulations. How can any man not be happy to see a student earn a scholarship receive a college education and play the sport he loves...
old booster commented on September 22, 2011 at 7:52 p.m.: report abuse
parents pressure on the AD and principal at boca has had an effect on more than coach B. More than one baseball coach has succumbed to parent pressure put on the spineless admin.
it wasnt coach B's coaching technique or philosophy ...
if ya pi_ss off a parent ......you'll start a revolution.
Carol commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:02 p.m.: report abuse
There's a big difference between accepting the risks of playing a game that you love and being demeaned and assaulted by an adult who obviously can't control his temper.
@ old booster commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:04 p.m.: report abuse
That baseball coach M didn't know basic baseball. Lucky a photo of him shoving a player was all that was needed. That's after a professional possee sent facts to Two Faced Doc Mckee about a coach who knew nothing. Don't even go there. I know nothing of the football problem but the baseball was justified. Lucky for the school coach T was there for a math position and just fell into a baseball job.
Ludicrous commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:10 p.m.: report abuse
This is ludicrous! A bunch of whiny rich parents complained and now coach B gets fired for a shove! Last time i checked this is high school football not pee wee tiddly winks... ITS A MANS GAME BOY!
Get a life!!!! commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:12 p.m.: report abuse
You don't know this man as a Coach if you did, you would not be suprised. Its not a shame its about time! And as for reprocussions for Byars ll he needs his Daddy to apologize to him for not really preparing him for the real world of NCAA Football. This kid might have to practice like the rest of the team, he might be accountable for all his fumbles and mistakes he makes on and off the field. He might lead the team in rushing but thats because he's the only one allowed to touch the ball. He is also leading the county in fumbles probably in the state too. He wont be the only one ever to get the ball, he wont be the only one who's stats are reported and he wont get away with not having acceptable grades. I hope he's ready for some real football now. Football is only for well rounded Athletes, the classroom is as important if not more so than the gridiron! Not a little shove, if you saw the footage it would make you think differently. This is not the first incident that put the nail in Byars coffin but it is the last!!!!! By the way Byars never offered an apology to his former players for his poor behavior real classy "NOT"!
Sad Day commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:19 p.m.: report abuse
I do know this man, and he is a class act. @ Get a life, WHY DONT YOU GET ONE!
G.c Raide commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:20 p.m.: report abuse
I hope them boca boys dont run and called their.mama when the get hit by the Raiders....lol
@Get a life commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:24 p.m.: report abuse
Trust me, this won't be the nail in the coffin for Byars. He actually has a life and will move on to bigger and better things. You are dispicable.
coach 81 commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:28 p.m.: report abuse
to all those out there just because kids live and go to school @ Boca High does not mean they are all rich. Coaching at this level is very simple teach kids how to play the game as a team, be proud of who they are, lift them up from the end of the bench to the superstar they are all equal and most important have fun.
I realize its hard but at the end of the day these expeirance's will last a lifetime.
He was a great football player it does not mean he's a great coach. He never reached out to public or student council to support team, My child did not even know who he was.
Dr. Mkee is a nice guy, but this decison took way to long to make and it was easy to make. this is not the guy we need to be running for Superindentant of our district. sorry to say but he dropped the ball.
bhs player commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:44 p.m.: report abuse
@happy day
coach Byars is one of the most humble and wise coaches i have ever had. he does keep a conversation. just because you may not like him dosnt mean you need to cheer his departure, because after all no one will replace coach Byars.
sorry commented on September 22, 2011 at 8:51 p.m.: report abuse
It has nothing to do with anything but ..you do not put your hands on the kids, PERIOD.
If you do not know how to communicate or teach discipline without hitting or touching the kids in that mannor then you cant coach kids.
If you think how he behaved in that instance is a coaching moment well then you do not know what coaching is all about .
Not a swipe at the man , don't know him.
Was a mistake and unfortunatly he needs to deal with it.
solomio41 commented on September 22, 2011 at 9:01 p.m.: report abuse
Talk about overkill this is ridiculous a pack of Mutineers. Entitled parents raising children in a world of make believe passing on your pettiness and filling their heads with delusions of grandeur ! Coach Byars was a great coach,mentor and positive Man who lived and breathed for his football team he seldom talked of anything else with such excitement and passion, put in endless hours on and off the field making himself available to the very young men/ parents he is now accused of treating them so unfairly. My question is if you are such concerned parents where were You when it was time to volunteer, attend games and meetings I would venture to say ABSENT . Looks as if you are overlooking or in denial about 1 fact just because your son has on a uniform doesn't make him good or great athlete just a player afforded an opportunity to be part of a TEAM .
skip commented on September 22, 2011 at 9:03 p.m.: report abuse
Old school boys, old school.
byers is a great man of God and leader commented on September 22, 2011 at 9:16 p.m.: report abuse
A big loss for Boca and im tired of the whimpy kids on that team, a bunch of mommas boys.The parents think they run things there. He should go and coach at a real school where kids want to learn from a pro.I wont go to another game untill he comes back.
@ great man commented on September 22, 2011 at 9:29 p.m.: report abuse
Are you kidding me? Great man. Obviously you don't know him at all. He is about him and him alone. He has isolated himself even with his colleagues. No one wants to associate with this man in the high school setting. Try and find a coach in this area that has any respect for Byars and what he stands for on the field Never mind, don't waste your time because you won't find any.
Robb commented on September 22, 2011 at 9:30 p.m.: report abuse
If he did the same actions to the player in excitement after a great play this would not be an issue. PRESSURE FROM PARENTS. PRESSURE FROM PARENTS. PRESSURE FROM PARENTS. That is the real shame of this entire situation.
Finally commented on September 22, 2011 at 10:50 p.m.: report abuse
Ask anyone involved in brcs football program if coach Byers has ever pulled a kid aside, or sat with a kid and their parent and said..."good job... Or this kid has potential and I want to offer you some advice on how to pursue a career... Or let me help with getting him to play for a college..."...I'll bet no one can come forward
And say this guy gave a rats ass...my kid played for him, did well, loved the game and the team, but told me that Byers is an "ass" and never acknowledges anyone
who won't play a role in helping his son Keith jr run the ball..the qb Kevin played well with Byers jr, so there was never any chance that there would be anyone other than this qb...why do you think 5 qbs left since last season alone, they knew there
was no chance, and no one looking... And for the running backs, I feel worse for them, talented kids competing with daddy football...
This program is hosed for a couple years, anyone with talent should hurry to another school that is stable... Bocas rep is ceap now... From illegal recruiting, now this....no interest in going to games now...
Wow commented on September 22, 2011 at 10:57 p.m.: report abuse
Look, we got another one, another angry parent rambling on about how their kid wasn't cudled or given a juice box after the game. GO HOME!!! STOP GETTING GOOD COACHES FIRED!!!
Stlouisfan commented on September 22, 2011 at 11:12 p.m.: report abuse
WOW you obviously didnot have a kid on this whackjobs team, that previous poster is actually fairly right, this guy wasnot a coach was a promoter for his kid. He pushed the kid to play even after a major surgery then even last game put kid in when he was badly hurt. This guy even tells kids at practice not to hit his kid during plays but he's the only one every one is fairgame.I personally saw hi
yell at kids for tackling him. Other Kid punished to run afterwards.
By the way my kid plays defense as starter. Loves team and I'm not rich!
sad really commented on September 22, 2011 at 11:14 p.m.: report abuse
just proves my point, you are nothing but self absorbed MORONS, like this "stlouisfan" fool. WHO cares what you think of a child's game? you are a nothing, a nobody. get a life already and stop living through teenyboppers.
nick m commented on September 23, 2011 at 12:54 a.m.: report abuse
A correction for the article, Keith Byars was a fullback, not a running back...
Other than that, I hope the best for all parties involved. I don't support adults putting their hands on kids and I don't think that a shove should be a judgement of Byars character...
And I definitely don't think Byars son should be subject to any animosity from other players or parents especially, he had nothing to do with it.
Suncoast Player commented on September 23, 2011 at 2:14 a.m.: report abuse
Bring byars to suncoast swap him for hester asap
Old School commented on September 23, 2011 at 5:55 a.m.: report abuse
Jeez.....If things were this way back in the day, we would have been coaching ourselves...... Let the man coach!
steel city commented on September 23, 2011 at 6:55 a.m.: report abuse
This is not about Boca parents. This is not about being a sissy. This is about inappropriate actions by a coach. I played for Frank Kush. I was at his camp. I dropped a ball in practice, and was taped to the goal post while team mates threw balls at me. This did not make me a man. My father who was a coal miner made me a man. He would awake at 3 am. eat breakfast, get his sandwiches, and go to work. He never failed to have meaningful conversations with his seven children. He talked about patriotism, honor, and the role of a father. He led by example. My mom washed other peoples clothes, and we had to do our homework, as well as chores around the house. Frank Kush had nothing to do with my man hood. This coach had a opportunity to lead by example. He failed plain, and simple. Trust me this was not about tradition. I hope the school chooses wisely.
Steve D commented on September 23, 2011 at 7:19 a.m.: report abuse
Boca was a bad football team as well. They need a better coach. Anybody that coached with him and left because of him does not like him. They all coach somewhere else and will tell you he is an @ss and plays favorites. This has nothing to do with color. These other coaches I am talking about are also Afro-American who have played in college and some professionally.
Fact commented on September 23, 2011 at 7:26 a.m.: report abuse
It is really funny that Boca has had so much trouble evry since the Eddie Sullivan caper. Boca recruited Eddie and was caought for it and now this. I guess Boca has a issue keeping it stright down there. If it was a regular Joe coaching, this wouldn't even be news. Byars could care less about this, because his main goal was to coach his son in high school which would be fun to do, but he crossed the line in todays culture. Time to move on.
morpheus commented on September 23, 2011 at 7:55 a.m.: report abuse
Bravo gyg22, Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
C'mon commented on September 23, 2011 at 8:13 a.m.: report abuse
Great way to prepare kids for the real world, give them all a juice box and a ribbon for participating.
Odds are some of these kids will be serving in our military making life and death decision in a split second. Do you really want these pansies in that role?
wow commented on September 23, 2011 at 8:51 a.m.: report abuse
I noticed a few referenced the real world vs high school football. In the real world Doc would be held responsible. He selected Toe and he selected Keith. For different reasons neither played by the rules and neither succeeded. I agree Boca is a unique place to put it nicely and it does present a challenge as a coach. But this is high school and education RULES. So Doc gets a pass. LOL
Referee commented on September 23, 2011 at 9:16 a.m.: report abuse
Wow!!!! I have been reading all of the blogs and I am amazed at how stupid some of them are....This is not about RACE or WHINNY BOCA PARENTS or a GRAB OF A PLAYER BY THE COACH... It is about a Coach who falied at his job to mentor and teach all of his players. If anyone of you who posted in favor of Coach Byars then obvisouly you have not been to one of their games or practices and watched the actions of this coach. His sole purpose was to elevate his son and his son only. He never gives any praise to the players... Hummmm I guess football is a one player sport! I think not... Boca needs a coach who displays good sportsmanship and the ability to mentor and teach the players respect for the game and each other. As a former parent coach myself...teaching and mentoring all the players is your sole purpose... I feel bad for Jr. his last year in High School was tainted by his fathers actions. I hope Boca High will move past this and let the football team come together and play the game they love together.
Dale commented on September 23, 2011 at 9:26 a.m.: report abuse
All I have to say is Woody Hayes.......The apple does not fall far from the tree.
Please! commented on September 23, 2011 at 10:24 a.m.: report abuse
Gentlemen could we all just chill and have another bite of our Boca Burger!
NFL experience doesn't equal successful coaching at any level
fathers coaching sons is always volitile
Was it just the shove or a combination of incidents?
Were there any other consequence options?
Parents are the biggest reason so many of us don't coach anymore!!!!!
Please! commented on September 23, 2011 at 11:49 a.m.: report abuse
Gentlemen could we all just chill and have another bite of our Boca Burger!
NFL experience doesn't equal successful coaching at any level
fathers coaching sons is always volitile
Was it just the shove or a combination of incidents?
Were there any other consequence options?
Parents are the biggest reason so many of us don't coach anymore!!!!!
PAHOKEE BLU DEVILS commented on September 23, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.: report abuse
WE WOULD LOVE 2 HAVE U HERE IN PAHOKEE FL. COACH BYARS BRING YOUR COACHING TALENTS 2THA CITY OF PAHOKEE "LEGGO"
G. REILLY commented on September 23, 2011 at 1:10 p.m.: report abuse
I personally know of 15 kids that chose Boca High over their zoned district school, Spanish River for their athletic programs. Not to say River is a superior team, currently 3 - 0, River has a long way to go, however, adding the athletes that were lost to Boca High, River would at least be able to field a competitive team every year. Academically, River is rated above Boca High. Look forward to seeing a few athletes join us next year.
Bo Schembechler commented on September 23, 2011 at 1:19 p.m.: report abuse
If I make a mistake, i'm going to make it aggressively and i'm going to make it quickly. I believe in sleeping on a decision. Prinipal Mckee wasted no time
@ Wondering commented on September 23, 2011 at 1:20 p.m.: report abuse
GO GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ fan commented on September 23, 2011 at 1:21 p.m.: report abuse
I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Manny From Hialeah commented on September 23, 2011 at 1:25 p.m.: report abuse
This guy came from osu. That's big ten football or to the rest of college football that's little ten football. where i'm from in the little havana area we win national championships with Hurricanes.
Bo Schembechler commented on September 23, 2011 at 1:58 p.m.: report abuse
@ coach b...I'll click my heels and solute sir!!!
football fan commented on September 23, 2011 at 1:59 p.m.: report abuse
There was more to it than the shove. He lied and denied the incident happened several times before he found out there was taped footage of it. This just seems to be an example of a bad situation being made worse.
I wouldnt wat to be on that football field any time soon. Awkward!!
Edgar commented on September 23, 2011 at 2:12 p.m.: report abuse
Can somebody tell me if there is any truth to the rumor former atlantic and royal palm beach high coaches gullo and tillman are the new boca head coaches starting after bye week.
NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST THEE SHALL PROSPER commented on September 23, 2011 at 3:47 p.m.: report abuse
@Byars is a great man of God:
You obviously don’t know this man. You guys are looking at the fact that he was a NFL player. So what! NFL player, College player, High School Player or Little League player. Byar’s is fair from a man of God. A man of God don’t grudges against kids. A man of God lift kids spirits whether their great athletes or bad athletes. A man of God would be fair with all. A man of God would not show favoritism too some players and treat the other like trash. A man of God would have never put in the Palm Beach Post that parents who help pay his salary are “Haters”. A man of God would have treated all his players equally. Now for the person who stated these rich kids a Boca Raton High School as just little babies, obviously you do not go to Boca High. My son and many kids from low income parents go to Boca High and no matter what; you do not push a kid in front of hundreds of parent who already dislike Byars for his unprofessional behaviors prior to this incident. There are several black parents from Delray and Boca who “HATE” Keith Byars for mistreating their kids. And for the person, who indicated that parents are mad with Byars because their kids don’t get playing time, you are a negative person and I pray that you are not a parent because your child can one day be in the same position and you as a parent think that your kid deserves better from a coach.
@ Coach 81, you said a mouth full…..You should continue to coach because your positive attitude is what kids need in this world…Support!!
@ Happy Day….Don’t worry, God slapped Keith Byars right in the face…Your son is in college without his assistance on a scholarship. Keith Byars refused to shake his hand because the Devil in him and the SHAME in his face for all of the mistreatment he did to your son was just God showing Keith Byars, that “NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST THEE SHALL PROSPER!” Look at him now! He was so arrogant to make that comment in the Palm Beach Post about parents being haters and mad because their kids don’t get playing time, but now that he is “FIRED”, NO ONE CAN FIND HIM TO MAKE A STATEMENT!
And for Dr. McKee….He received numerous complaints from parents, students, booster club members, alumni and even so far as the Palm Beach School District about Byars and did nothing. Dr. McKee was looking at the prior NFL in Byars and not the Devil in him.
@ The person who stated is was a race thing…NOT!!! You must don’t know Byars replaced a white man (Coach Toe) who was a GREAT COACH on and off the field. He cared about all of his players, black and white. He gave all his players an opportunity to play football, whether they were a star or bench warmer. Toe never treated his players like trash. A matter of fact, Coach Toe drove all over Palm Beach County, including Broward to bring kids home and feed them too…
You must don’t know all of the black parents who did like Keith Byars because of his arrogant and selfish behaviors.
BOCA RATON HIGH SCHOOL MADE THE RIGHT DECISSION!!
honestly commented on September 23, 2011 at 7:33 p.m.: report abuse
honestly this is football coach byars push the qb in the chest to get him pumped up i was sitting on the sideline right in front of it people make things worse than they seem this man does alot for his players but like always when someone does something good noone sees a thing but one bad thing and the whole world knows i jus think this whole thing was blown out of proportion if the qbs makes it to college they're not goin to be able to baby him like they are now its football you where you recieve broken bones concussions and etc a little shove? really?? thats bs and you all knw it ill tell you one thing and this is refering to every player on boca highs team.. call your parents when glade central comes to hit you in your mouth cause they are definitely gonna do it and mckee so two faced he spoke the world of byars but as soon as he messes up hes against him to the end flaw if you're a man you would put your neck on the line for a man that would put his neck out on the line for you its jus crazy man that they would dismiss him for something like this the qbs parents need to tighten up because once he's in college and one of his coaches put there hands on him and his parents come at him with this bs they gonna send your son home right with ya college coaches dont care theres millions of qbs in our nation that are as good or better you think there gonna worry about him i think its stupid F BOCA HIGH!!!
Mike commented on September 23, 2011 at 9:18 p.m.: report abuse
I've been a coach in this community in the past and have coached with pro athletes and know how demanding they can be on there players and also know that while it may seem that they are only in it for there children to suceed in the long run they do find joy in seeing the others on the team also suceed. Being an unpaid football coach in todays world is probably the most thankless job there is out there. Your excpected to be fair to everyone when nothing is going rite and humble when everything is. I'm sure coach Byars was caught up in the moment and trying to get the best out of what is supposed to be a superstar in the making at quarterback. Unfortunately in todays world your every move is being watched or taped and will be used against you as soon as things go wrong. I feel bad for the kids and hope that they can regroup as a team and hopefully salvage there season. Junior is gonna be in for some hard times for sure but if he's half the man his dad is he will be fine and better off for it. Hearing this just make me more sure that maybe i will never go back to coaching again although its something that i think about everyday.
A REAL PARENT commented on September 23, 2011 at 10:09 p.m.: report abuse
TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE POSTING COMMENTS ABOUT BOCA RATON HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS AND KIDS.....YOU ALL NEED TO BE ASHAME OF YOURSELVES. IF SOMEONE PUSHED YOUR CHILD YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN UPSET TOO. IF YOU ARE A PARENT WHO UPHOLD THIS BEHAVIOR, MAYBE YOU ARE LESS THAN A PARENT OR YOU ABUSE YOU CHILD SO THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR YOU. AND FOR KEVIN, LAYOFF....THAT KID HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH BYARS GETTING FIRED. ****NONE OF THE PARENTS LIKE HIM BECAUSE OF THE PERSON HE IS**** YOU GUYS ONLY CHEERING FOR BYARS BECAUSE HE WAS A EX-NFL PLAYER****AND DR. MCKEE WANTED HIM FIRED EVERY SINCE LAST YEARS BUT DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH AGAINST HIM TO FIRE HIM BECAUSE PEOPLE WOULD MAKE IT A RACE THING....I AM 110% BLACK AND I KNOW KEITH BYARS PERSONALLY. HE ISN'T WHAT YOU PEOPLE THINK HE IS. HE IS JUST AS ABUSIVE TO LIL KEITH AS HE IS TO HIS PLAYERS. PARENTS DON'T GET MAD A LIL KEITH OR KEVIN FOR KEITH BYARS ACTIONS....HE BROUGHT THIS ON HIMSELVE. I PRAY THAT ALL YOU PARENTS CONTINUE TO PRAY AND SUPPORT ALL THE PLAYERS. MANY OF THEM ARE HAPPY TO SEE BYARS GONE AND A FEW NOT. SUPPORT BOCA RATON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS SO THE CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH A SUCCESSFUL SEASON.
@ PAHOKEE...PLEASE TAKE HIM. HE PROBABLY WOULDN'T LAST A DAY BECAUSE HE IS FROM BOCA TOO AND NOT USE TO THE HEAT, DIRT AND SHACKS OUT THERE....BOCA BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cascade commented on September 23, 2011 at 10:15 p.m.: report abuse
How many High Schools have 5 hour film session on Saturday for all players? Coach Byars did!
Fellow Coach commented on September 23, 2011 at 11:49 p.m.: report abuse
I for one am not surprised about Byars behavior. I coached against him a few years back when he was the JV head coach at Boca. He showed no respect for the players then.
He tried running up the score by unnecessarily passing on us after the outcome of the game was clearly over and a few seconds were left in the game. Two players, one from each team, collided and were injured.
Apparently nothing changed but his coaching position. For the player sake I'm glad he's gone.
bobcats commented on September 24, 2011 at 12:39 a.m.: report abuse
I played under coach Brian Van Gorder at Boca High, Van Gorder is now the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, Suffice to say he was a great coach, he also started the tradition of "together we will and introduced the "Michigan" decals on the helmets. Shame on the Principal, faculty, community and booster club for allowing Byars to throw out 25 years of tradition. I hope the 2 years of mediocrity was worth it.
bobcats commented on September 24, 2011 at 12:56 a.m.: report abuse
I understand the whole Michigan/Ohio State rivalry is very intense, but to do away with 25 years of tradition is beyond me. I think this says a lot about Byars character that he is more worried about the decals then a schools and communities traditions.
BobcatHousehold commented on September 24, 2011 at 7:36 a.m.: report abuse
Byars never cared about any Bobcat traditions. As for the Michigan decals, I understand your beef, He changed our whole mascot that makes no sense. How does our School have and wildcat for a mascot on the team helmets instead of our Traditional BOBCAT that has been fine for everyone since 1966???? We are bringing it back the "real' Bobcats will take back their team you just wait "Together we will" lives on in the hearts of Real Bobcats!!!!!
New day commented on September 24, 2011 at 11:33 a.m.: report abuse
First of all it's not a celebration when someone loses a job that they are qualified to do. Keith came highly recommended to a wounded program. It's unfortunate that one incident makes it okay for you negative people to disregard the good that he brought to this program over a measly shove. It's called motivating his player not abuse. As a quarterback he should expect a slap on the helment, a slap on the bottom and a shove to drive that fire out of him as a leader of his football team. It's extreme because it's Keith Byars not too mention he's a black man who was never welcomed into this community. If it was a shove it wasn't a shove out of malice it was to get that child motivated WTF. Yeah say what you want but you hater's have been envious from the time he arrived. Keith was non-salaried, which means pretty much he volunteered his time for the love the game. Come on people it's called dedication. I hear you negative people smear his child out of jealousy when in all essence you are all living through your child's dreams as well.Some of your kids shouldn't be on the team and you're just mad that he evaluated there skill set and told you the truth about your child. Take constructive cristiscm for what its worth. Perhaps cheerleading would be a good sport to put your child in then you all could whine all you want. I say, it's time for Keith to get paid the big bucks, College or Professional is where you can add value and be compensated ! Whether Keith is coaching his son or not, Keith Allen the II will achieve his stardom with his own ability, his passion of the game speaks for itself. He has offer's on the table and that means he's going places and it also means his ability to play the game was influenced by what he did on the field not what his Daddy did. Keith is a God fearing man trained up to rebuke devils and pray for his adversaries. Now he can go to the games and focus on his son and smile at all of your HATER's. Why would he be embarrassed....God Bless Keith and his family !
@New Day commented on September 24, 2011 at 12:21 p.m.: report abuse
@ New Day if Keith is a God fearing man he should still be on his need begging for forgiveness for his sins!!! Repent almighty Keith Byars because your sins against my son and yours are not for me to judge I think judgement day has come! As for ll it is not his fault he has been encouraged to do less and get more! We have and will continue to pray for the Byars family we are not haters we teach our son to work hard and rewards will be plenty. We have led by example and can hold our heads high knowing we are reputable and trustworthy and know the truth has set us all free!
New Day commented on September 24, 2011 at 12:58 p.m.: report abuse
Again, you placement on Byars. You should be asking for forgiveness for your own sins. It's apparent that Byars irritates you, which is an understanding of yourself. Ignoranance !!! I can honestly tell you that you should read your Bible and reference James 3:14- "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth". Keith serves a mighty God, the same God I serve. Perhaps you should build a relationship with the almighty to get this same understanding. God Bless :).
football mom commented on September 25, 2011 at 11:38 a.m.: report abuse
I am a mother of a football player, I dont know the Boca Coach my son does not go to that school. What kind of push was it? can someone who was actually there please describe what kind of push it was. Did this child get hurt by the push. See for me some things I just won't go and ruin a persons career over, talk it out first, I am a women I have had so many appropriate things said and done to me but if I was bothered by it, I let the person know I did not like it. I had a guy push my kid in the street I was going to press charges, then his wife cam up and I saw he had a one year old daughter, my son was not hurt, and I explained to him how would he like if someone pushed his daughter like that. That man apologized......
I do not agree with degrading kids on the field, I do believe kids look up to coaches, but I was not there so I can't say what he did and didn't do.
Some people can't give an opinion because I can tell by the comments they already do not like the man, so they are glad this situation came up and they want him gone......And for the record Christianity has nothing to do with this.
simon says commented on September 26, 2011 at 5:08 p.m.: report abuse
The principal is a piece of work and has a history of corruption. He is no different from a prison Warden. He has known about molestations and other incidents of corruption and hides behind the church, what goes around comes around twice.HHes a jerk.
2009 BHS Alum commented on September 27, 2011 at 1:19 p.m.: report abuse
So let me get this straight...parents demand the firing of Byars after he shoved a player (which happens so often behind the scenes (with no care by the players) it would cause these parents to have aneurysms), but thought the firing of Toe unjust? How hypocritical. Boca High parents are notorious for overreacting. I'm actually disgusted.
Mama Bear commented on September 29, 2011 at 4:59 p.m.: report abuse
Wasn't there, don't really know what happened BUT ... A) we were one of those River families that went to Boca High for athletics and it was amazing with Coach Toe. Yes, he really picked kids up at his own expense & FED THEM!!! Guess what, the kids learned respect and THEY WON!!! They had a mentor, go figure??? I call that coaching.
B) Volunteered (A TON of time with A LOT of fantastic parents) to get to the bottom of why things were deteriorating rapidly after Byars took over and all I can say is ... things were bad for a long time, this was NOT an isolated incident. Unfortunately, Byars was not in the best interest of Bobcat Football. C) Boca High students & families are NOT entitled, whiny, or otherwise! I was humbled to get to know the hard-working, diverse students and families! STOP hating on Boca - not everyone is rich & entitled ... and D) McKee has done wonders for the school, maybe did what he had to regarding football/athletics???
You didn't say please commented on October 7, 2011 at 4:04 p.m.: report abuse
McKee is a great principal. He makes decisions that may not win him a popularity contest, but are in the students' best interest. Simon Says-if you have something factual to report, about a crime, call the police. If you are just an envious hater, find a positive outlet for your passion instead of slandering a school employee.Or maybe volunteer at that school or another, and get some street cred.
The Mom commented on October 14, 2011 at 4:27 p.m.: report abuse
@Wondering ....His Dad played College Basketball at an Ivy League School (Brown), and he spent alot of time teaching him the game. The kid is 6'6" and scored 26 points with 12 rebounds against Lake Worth, so yeah, he's was on varsity in 10th grade. Dads that were really good athletes sometimes have talented children, it's not all nepotism. Sometimes it's talent and excellent parenting, and yes....get a life.
Left tackle commented on October 22, 2011 at 10:10 p.m.: report abuse
Sad for all.
Love Byars. An agile bull on the field and a gentleman off it. Hate to see this happen to him, the player, his teammates, everyone. No winners.
Woody recruited me shortly before he lost control, before Keith was a standout there.. He was like a sweet old granddad.
Football was the love of my life and as I age sometimes I hate it at the same time. The carnage never stops. Even Earl Campbell is bitter about the beating he took, willingly mind you! Not to mention he gave probably more than he got, he was that awesome.
My freshman football coach sat down in the coach's office after practice one day. He told me to kneel in front of him. I knew something was wrong. He kicked me repeatedly in the stomach. When he asked if I would do it again (I can't remember now what it was) I said "No" respectively and he excused me.
I felt sorry for him. I think he hurt his foot! It didn't bother me a bit. Felt no pain at all. Compared to the brutality of the game itself, those were love taps.
Today, if he did that, he'd probably end up in court for battery. I hold no grudge for him at all. I think he wanted me to grow up and to be tough as nails, to be a man in a tough world. No excusing him. Never happened again to anyone.
Football is unique. Of all that we do, watch and engage in, football draws out the very best in young men, their coaches and in fans like nothing else, and sometimes the worst.
Woody Hayes was a devoted coach. He loved his players and they loved and respected him. They became national champs, in part, as a result.
Keith Byars is a class act, from what I have known of him. I perceived him to be a man of great character, perhaps somewhat shy, hard working, a team player and a good human being.
Keith, apologize if you haven't. Keep your head up. Your destiny doesn't end here. Your best days are ahead.
Young man, I bet Coach Byars saw great potential in you. Forgive him and grow from this and make Coach Byars your friend. He is the kind of man that would do anything for others. He's not going to be perfect, but he's a trying!. .
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