Buddy Stephens’ lawyer says firing was a ‘grave disservice’

A lawyer for Buddy Stephens said his firing was a “grave disservice” to Mississippi’s public service and football community, while asserting that Stephens’ comments about the playoff system were protected speech.

The lawyer said Stephens built a legacy that includes five national championships and made significant contributions to the athletes, programs and communities he served. The statement characterized Stephens’ comments about the operation of the playoff system as addressing a matter of public concern and representing his right to express his views under the First Amendment.

The statement said Stephens intends to do everything possible to rectify what his lawyer called a wrong. It was attributed to Lucas Hill of The Southern Sports Scene.

Source: Mississippi High School Sports Page.