Fort Myers Senior Gets Penalty For Praying After Scoring His First Touchdown [Video]


Fort Myers High School senior football player Sam Turner scored his first touchdown of his high school career Friday night. As he made his way to the end zone, he took about five seconds to bend on one knee to thank God, but his actions caused his team a major consequence — a 15 yard penalty to be exact, per The Blaze.

Turner, 16, who is strong in his faith, just did what came natural for him, as he told News-Press.

“I said ‘thank you, God, for this talent you’ve blessed me with.'”

Turner also took a moment in honor of JoJo Brunson, a student who was killed in a drive-by shooting last year.

Take a look at the short, brief moment on video below.

News-Press reports that Turner was somewhat surprised that he was penalized for praying, but is thankful for the support he has been shown from his fellow teammates, family, and friends for standing up for his values and core beliefs.

“I use my faith as a platform for my talents. My teammates are giving my tons of support. They all know I’m strong believer, even though it cost us 15 yards.”

In an interview with WINK News, Turner said he was confused when he first saw the flag.

“I was like, ‘Are you seriously flagging me right now? What did I do wrong?’ Eventually the ref came up and talked to me and said I was trying to bring attention to myself and I was trying to explain to him that that wasn’t the case at all. I wasn’t trying to bring attention to myself I was just trying to thank God.”

Turner1

WINK News reports that “according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, a player can be penalized for ‘any delayed, excessive or prolonged act by which a player attempts to focus attention upon himself.'”

Although the 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct was enforced on the ensuing kickoff, Turner’s coach, Sam Sirianni, Jr., told News-Press that he cannot fault Turner’s display of emotions, just as he can’t find fault with the call made by the officials.

“It comes down to a ref’s discretion,” he said. “To them, they try to follow the letter of the rules. You accept both sides. I have seen it happen at all levels. The officials have to toe the line.”

Turner is thankful that the penalty he received didn’t effect the outcome of the game, as Fort Myers beat Riverdale 49-0.

Turner 2

Regardless, Coach Sirianni knows Turner always has the team’s best interest at heart, according to News-Press.

“We talked to Sam. What he did wasn’t selfish. He didn’t understand it at first. He said it shouldn’t have been a penalty. He would never do anything disrespectful or do anything that would hurt the team. You don’t punish or get mad at a kid for his intent.”

As for the next time Turner gets a touchdown, how will he respond?

“I may have to do it on the sidelines,” he said.

[Photo Credit: WTSB.com, Twitter.com]

Share this article: Fort Myers Senior Gets Penalty For Praying After Scoring His First Touchdown [Video]
More from Inquisitr