DeSoto High School\u2019s football program apologized Monday after several team captains declined to shake hands with St. Thomas Aquinas before a nationally watched season opener in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.<\/p>\n
Video from Saturday\u2019s coin toss shows Aquinas captains offering their hands at midfield. Most of DeSoto\u2019s captains kept their hands at their sides. The clip spread quickly online as the Florida powerhouse jumped to a 38-0 halftime lead. A running clock was used in the second half. Final score: St. Thomas Aquinas 38, DeSoto 14.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the DeSoto football account posted that the program had addressed the incident and called it a chance for players to learn.<\/p>\n
DeSoto Football has addressed the incident that occurred at the St. Thomas Aquinas football game. We view this as an opportunity for our young men to learn and grow from their mistakes.<\/p>\n
We would like to formally apologize to the St. Thomas Aquinas community, coaching staff, and\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 DeSoto Football (@FootballDesoto) August 31, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n \u201cWe would like to formally apologize to the St. Thomas Aquinas community, coaching staff, and football team for what occurred,\u201d the statement said. \u201cWe take full responsibility for the conduct of our players and are committed to ensuring our student-athletes uphold the standards of sportsmanship and character that our program and community expect.\u201d<\/p>\n Coach Claude Mathis told The Dallas Morning News the captains made the call without telling coaches. He said star running back SaRod Baker was the only DeSoto captain who shook hands. Mathis said he apologized to Aquinas\u2019 coach and athletic director and spoke with his players privately. He also said there was trash talk before the game, but that is no excuse.<\/p>\n \u201cThey made a mistake. They are kids,\u201d Mathis told the Morning News. He said the full team shook hands after the game and that there were no issues then.<\/p>\n DeSoto ISD Athletic Director Dr. M.T. Tyeskie posted that the captains \u201cmade a poor decision,\u201d that it is \u201cnot our standard,\u201d and that the players involved \u201cwill have consequences.\u201d Tyeskie said Coach Mathis is not being fired and the players are not being removed from the team.<\/p>\n DeSoto, a recent UIL state champion now in Class 5A Division I, opened against one of Florida\u2019s traditional powers in the Broward County National Football Showcase. The Eagles are scheduled to play Allen next.<\/p>\n LISTEN<\/a> on the Audacy App
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