Report: Melbourne Central Catholic (Florida) coach Nate Hooks suspended multiple games for alleged improper contact violation

Per the Space Coast daily report, Hooks was suspended by the FHSAA and the school was fined an unspecified amount

MELBOURNE, FLORIDA- There's been no shortage of developments taking place throughout Brevard County this 2023 high school football season. 

On Tuesday, another head coach was placed under suspension but this time due to an alleged policy violation. 

According to a report by the Space Coast Daily, Melbourne Central Catholic head coach Nate Hooks has been suspended for two games and the school was fined an unspecified amount for violation of the Florida High School Athletic Association's (FHSAA) 37.1.1 against improperly contacting players. 

The report stated school spokesperson Tessie Wilkie provided the information to the Space Coast Daily. Per the report, the school has begun the appeal process. 

FHSAA policy 37.1.1 reads: “No school employee, athletic department staff member, representative of the school’s athletic interests or third parties, such as an independent person, business or organization, may make contact, either in person or through any form of written or electronic communication or through any third party, with a student, or any member of the student’s family, in an effort to pressure, urge or entice the student to attend a different school for the purpose of participating in interscholastic athletics.”

During Hooks' suspension, he will still be able to coach at practices, just not in-game. The Hustlers' staff assistants would handle gameday duties while Hooks is suspended. Melbourne Central Catholic is currently 4-2 on the season. 

Hooks was an assistant at Cocoa High School last year where he was a part of the Tiger's Class 2S state championship winning team. Prior to that, Hooks was a head coach at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy and finished his tenure there with an overall record of 48-36. 

Earlier this season, Viera High School, another school in Brevard County, faced a firestorm of controversy in regards to an alleged hazing incident that took place back in late August. 

The alleged hazing incident went viral via a video that was released, according to a report by Florida Today's J.D. Gallop. Per the report, video clips of the incident were released and went viral on the internet, showing students laughing and jostling with uniformed players on the floor, attempting to pull the bottoms back from one athlete. Other teammates stood around cheering as some players appeared atop of the players thrusting and simulating sexual acts as condom packages were thrown on the floor.

The team missed out on their season opener against South Fork, but the Hawks have gone 2-3 since then. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl