Chatfield’s QB suspension stays in place

(ABC 6 News) – The suspension of Chatfield Gophers Quarterback Sam Backer will stand.

In a 10-page ruling issued Friday morning, Judge Ann D. Montgomery ruled that granting the restraining order and allowing the quarterback to play "would change, rather than preserve, the status quo."

The suit was filed Tuesday, November 23, by Sam Backer and his family seeking a restraining order to allow him to play in the Championship Game Friday.

Backer was suspended by MSHSL from Friday’s game because of two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the team’s last game.

The Backer family’s attorney Charles Maier said in a statement:

"The family was hoping only for an opportunity to have their son’s suspension reviewed and are disappointed in the outcome. They are grateful to the parents who have reached out to share stories of their own children being denied the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of competing in the state tournament with no avenue for appeal. They hope that the MSHSL will reconsider its policy of not reviewing athlete suspensions under any circumstances and develop a fair process.

Today, my client and his family are focused entirely on cheering the Chatfield Gophers on to a victory in the state championship. They are a talented team and have worked hard all season for this chance."