Sign theft scandal affects Texas High School football

Move over, Connor Stallions; you have company…

In a story reminiscent of the 2023 Michigan Wolverines poster-stealing scandal and the 2007 New England Patriots “Spygate,” a Texas high school coach has been suspended for allegedly taping opposing teams’ signs.

Palestine Westwood head coach Richard Bishop has been suspended for the remainder of the 2024 season following allegations of videotaping opponents’ signals during scouting. The District 9-3A Division I Executive Committee (DEC) ruled the violations to be “willful, egregious and egregious” violations of fair play. Along with Bishop’s suspension, the DEC ordered Westwood to forfeit all district games, including future games, and barred another district employee from attending sporting events for the remainder of the season.

The Panthers have been a program on the rise. After years of sub-.500 seasons, Westwood had a great 9-3 season last year. This year, they are 7-0 and are favored in their remaining three games, with a Nov. 1 matchup with Fairfield, which appeared like it would be the top seed in the district, before being forced to forfeit the games.

Westwood plans to appeal the ruling to the UIL’s State Executive Committee (SEC). With just three weeks left in the regular season before the playoffs, the UIL SEC is expected to schedule a hearing soon to address the appeal.