Jackson no longer a Mr. Football finalist for Owls; status for game in question

Jeremiah Jackson (5) plays linebacker for Ooltewah.  Ooltewah, Soddy-Daisy, Red Bank and Bradley Central took part in a 7 on 7 scrimmage at Ooltewah HIgh School, July 8, 2015.
Jeremiah Jackson (5) plays linebacker for Ooltewah. Ooltewah, Soddy-Daisy, Red Bank and Bradley Central took part in a 7 on 7 scrimmage at Ooltewah HIgh School, July 8, 2015.

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photo Jeremiah Jackson

The TSSAA announced Thursday that it has removed Ooltewah linebacker Jeremiah Jackson from consideration for its Mr. Football award. Jackson was named as one of two finalists for the state's Class 5A lineman of the year award Monday but was arrested on Tuesday evening and charged with one count of domestic assault.

Owls coach Mac Bryan declined to comment on whether Jackson would be allowed to play in tonight's playoff quarterfinal home game against Rhea County.

"I can't comment on anything involving the incident," Bryan said.

According to the police report, Jackson's ex-girlfriend said he slapped her in the mouth at the high school Tuesday night. The ex-girlfriend had ridden to Ooltewah's basketball game against Arts & Sciences with Jackson and later told police he became upset because she was sitting with another guy.

According to one school source the incident took place in the gym during the game. An affidavit said two witnesses corroborated the girl's version of events, and the police officer's report stated that there was a cut on the inside of the victim's lip. She remained 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. "We will not replace him with another finalist."

The decision means that Centennial's Tyrel Dodson automatically will win the 5A lineman award.

The Mr. Football awards are sponsored by the NFL's Tennessee Titans, and the finalists for those awards will be honored at a luncheon at the Titans' Nissan Stadium. Childress added that he had been in discussion with Titans officials and that they were in agreement with the decision to remove Jackson as a candidate.

Jackson was released on a $500 bond and is due in court Nov. 25.

The 6-foot, 236-pound senior linebacker is the Owls' leading tackler with 107.5 total tackles and 12 for lost yardage. He also has five fumble recoveries and has scored two defensive touchdowns. He is a two-time district defensive player of the year and has been recruited by several college programs.

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.

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