Authorities are investigating after a New Jersey high school football player was caught on video ripping the helmet off an opponent and hitting him with it, wounding the player so that he needed 10 stitches.
It was during the second quarter of Friday night's game between Linden and Immaculata high schools when a Linden defensive lineman grabbed the helmet off his opponent and smacked him in the head with it before chucking the helmet aside, video shows.
The injured player went to Morristown Hospital and received 10 stitches for his wound, Immaculata High School officials said.
Immaculata High School's athletic director, Thomas Gambino, said the incident may have been overlooked during the game, but the injured player "handled himself with restraint and maturity at the time, upholding Immaculata's expectations for sportsmanship."
He continued, "Once we reviewed the videotape, we felt it necessary to contact Linden officials, who in turn have been very cooperative and apologetic."
The school said it contacted Linden school officials, the Linden police department, and the NJSIAA. Linden police said the department was looking into the unsportsmanlike conduct.
Neither school released the names of the players involved because they're both minors.
Linden's superintendent, Danny Robertozzi, said in a statement the public school district is "extremely disheartened" by what happened and the Board of Education is "appalled" by the student's conduct. As such, the student has been removed from the football team and the Board of Education is "pursuing the severest disciplinary measures permitted under law," Robertozzi said.
"The brutal action taken by this young man is simply unacceptable and will not be condoned," the statement continued.
![[NATL-NY] Escape Artist Hospitalized After Nearly Drowning During Stunt](https://ots.nbcwpshield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Chefs_Gala_2011_007.jpg?fit=533%2C800){kind=link}
![[NATL-NY] NY Village Must Stand Trial for Arresting Man Who Wrote Curse Words on Speeding Ticket](https://ots.nbcwpshield.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/daley-speaks-2.jpg?fit=640%2C480){kind=link}
