Jeremiah Jackson The TSSAA has removed Ooltewah linebacker Jeremiah Jackson from consideration for its Mr. Football award according to school officials. Jackson was named as one of two finalists for the Class 5A Lineman of the Year award on Monday, but was arrested on Tuesday evening and charged with one count of domestic assault.
According to the police report, Jackson's ex-girlfriend said he slapped her in the mouth at an Ooltewah basketball game Tuesday night. The ex-girlfriend had ridden to the game with Jackson and later told police Jackson became upset because she was sitting with another guy.
According to one school source, the incident allegedly took place in the gym, during Ooltewah's basketball game against Arts & Sciences Tuesday night. Also according to the affidavit, there were two witnesses who said they saw the same thing happen and the police officer's report also stated that there was a cut on the inside of the victim's lip. She did remain at the game after the incident.
"It's not left up to us to determine guilt or innocence in this type situation, but because of a report we received about an incident that happened involving Mr. Jackson, he has been removed from consideration for Mr. Football," TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress said. "Will not replace him with another finalist."
The decision means that Centennial's Tyrel Dodson, the other finalist, will automatically win the 5A Lineman of the Year award.
Jackson was released on a $500 bond and is due in court November 25.
The 6-foot, 236-pound senior linebacker is the Owls leading tackler with 107.5 total tackles and another 12 for loss. He also has five fumble recoveries and has scored two defensive touchdowns. He is a two-time district defensive player of the year and is being recruited by several college programs.
The school has not made an announcement on whether Jackson will be allowed to play in the Owls playoff quarterfinal game Friday against Rhea County.