Texas HS Football Players Who Hit Ref Discuss Actions on Good Morning America

Michael Moreno and Victor Rojas, the two Texas high school football players who were captured on video tackling an official during a game, told George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America on Friday they were following the orders of an assistant coach.  

According to Dan Good of ABC News, Moreno stated during the interview that assistant coach Mack Breed told him and another player to target the referee, Robert Watts. He then relayed the information to Rojas, and the duo proceeded to strike the official from behind. The third player didn't go through with the attack.

"You put your trust into this grown-up, this guardian, your coach, who's been there for me. ... I trust him. I did what I was told," Moreno said.

The players from John Jay High School near San Antonio claim Breed handed down the directive after Watts missed calls and used racial slurs throughout the game. The referee's attorney denied the allegations of using racially charged language at any point, according to Good.

Moreno and Rojas were suspended from both the football team and the school following the incident. Breed is currently on paid leave and hasn't responded to the allegations of asking the players to hit the official during the game, per ABC News.

Both players have since publicly apologized to Watts and expressed disappointment in their actions.

"I would apologize for the mistake that I made," Rojas said. 

"Everyone sees me as this thug or this gangster, I did this because I'm this bad guy … that's not who I am," Moreno added. "Underneath the helmet and the pads, I'm a great kid."

Attorney Jesse Hernandez told Good Morning America the school district is planning to meet Wednesday to discuss what steps to take next, which could include expulsion. He believes everything the players have gone through has been punishment enough.

The report also notes the Northside Independent School District is planning to file a formal complaint against Watts, who is still contemplating legal action against the players. Local police are conducting a criminal investigation as the process plays out.