Northwest High School football coach breaks silence after brawl in Gaithersburg
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - Northwest High School's head football coach broke his silence Monday — nearly three weeks after being accused of assaulting a Gaithersburg High School staff member during a game between both schools.
On Monday, Travis Hawkins tweeted about his emotional journey since the incident occurred on Sept. 16.
"I’ve been left in the dark wondering when I’ll get back to coaching my kids," Hawkins tweeted. "For the first time in my life, I’ve been stripped away from something that has always been an outlet to me.
"Something that at times I felt was the only thing that loved me the way I loved it. I’ve been trying to protect my mental health, some days are a lot harder than others."
Hawkins said that he's remained respectful throughout the investigation process, however, he's "sick and tired of being sick and tired."
Last month, FOX 5 discovered that in Maryland Case Search, the state’s online court database, a William C. Gant filed for an assault charge against Hawkins.
READ MORE: Investigation underway into massive fight at Gaithersburg High School football game
Gant is listed online as the Gaithersburg High School athletic director and Hawkins is listed as Northwest High School’s head coach.
In Maryland Case Search, the date of the offense is listed as Sept. 16, the same day fighting broke out at the football game.
Northwest High School coach could be facing assault charge after football game fight
FOX 5 is staying on top of that big fight at the Northwest-Gaithersburg High School Football game last week. We've learned a head coach may now have to appear in court. FOX 5’s Stephanie Ramirez reports with the latest.
FOX 5 also confirmed Gant filed for an assault charge against Northwest's volunteer assistant football coach Justin Watson.
FOX 5 reached out to both coaches, along with several other officials associated with the schools and MCPS.
Hawkins confirmed that he did hear an assault charge was filed against him. He declined to say anymore at the time. FOX 5 was unable to reach the Gaithersburg AD.
Separately, Gaithersburg officers said four juveniles have been charged with assault and one 19-year-old male of Germantown was charged with second degree assault, mutual affray, disorderly conduct, intoxicated endanger and failure to obey lawful order.
Both Watson and Hawkins are slated to appear at a preliminary hearing in early November.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.