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Legless Football Player Sidelined Over Knee Pad, Shoe Rule
Legless Football Player Sidelined Over Knee Pad, Shoe Rule
September 23, 2005
A legless teen in Ohio who was told he cannot play during a game in Cincinnati because of a rule requiring players to wear shoes and knee pads will be allowed to play in future games, according to a Local 6 News report.
Bobby Martin was told at halftime of a recent game at Mount Healthy High School in Cincinnati that he could not finish the game because of the shoes and knee pads rule.
Martin said the decision made him feel disabled for the first time.
"That's the first time in 17 years," Martin said. "That's a landmark."
"Bobby was in tears about that, the whole team was mad," a teammate said. "The coach was in tears."
The Colonel White High School senior had played in all of the other season games as a member of the punt return team, using his arms to move down the field.
After checking the case, the Ohio High School Athletic Association said game officials made a mistake when they kept Martin from playing last week, according to an Associated Press report.
"The officials erred, but they erred on the side of caution," said Bob Goldring, an assistant commissioner with the OHSAA. "They did not want to see him get hurt."
Goldring said the association planned to send a letter Tuesday to the Dayton school district that reaffirms Martin's eligibility, according to a report.
Martin's story has drawn national attention. He has been encouraging others to live life to the fullest.
"Just go for it," Martin said. "Try new things in life, that's what life's all about. Don't look at me as having no legs, just look at me standing six feet tall,"
Martin is also on the school's wrestling team and is running for homecoming king.
Submitted by Kelly
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