On Friday, the 362nd Judicial District Court in Denton County denied Liberty Christian School’s request for a temporary restraining order that would have paused the removal of its football team from the TAPPS playoffs. Judge Bruce McFarling explained that TAPPS is a private organization, and Texas law only allows courts to intervene when a private entity’s action is illegal or deprives a party of a protected right without due process.
Due process found, court cannot intervene
Judge McFarling noted that Liberty Christian had already received due process at both the district and state levels through TAPPS committees. Because the school had been afforded those procedural safeguards, the judge concluded that the court could not overrule TAPPS’s determination.
Eligibility dispute at the heart of the case
TAPPS ruled that wide receiver Jace Johnson was ineligible, leading to the Warriors’ removal from the postseason. According to TAPPS, Johnson violated a “follow the coach” bylaw after transferring from Abilene Cooper High School for his senior year. TAPPS alleges that an assistant coach, Antonio Griffin, recruited Johnson through a 7‑on‑7 team called LionHearted.
Sources familiar with the situation say Griffin’s team later merged with a West Texas program, and the West Texas coach coached the athletes in LionHearted while Griffin retained ownership. Liberty Christian argues that an email showing Griffin as “Owner and coach” of LionHearted was altered from its original version, which described him only as the owner.
School and community reaction
Liberty Christian released a statement expressing disappointment: “We are sad to report that our request for a temporary restraining order has been denied. The entire Liberty Christian family is so proud of our football team and everyone associated with it.” Parents, local coaches, and community members have called on TAPPS to reconsider its decision.
Impact on senior players
The ruling means senior athletes will not have the chance to finish a potential run for another state title. Among those affected is top recruit Cooper Witten, son of former Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten, who left his head‑coaching position at Liberty Christian to join the University of Oklahoma staff. Cooper Witten remains committed to playing for the Sooners after graduation.
Next steps for Liberty Christian
While the school indicated it will continue to explore options to reverse the ruling, the immediate effect is that the Warriors’ season ends without a playoff appearance. The court’s decision underscores the limited role of the judiciary in disputes involving private athletic associations like TAPPS.
What TAPPS says
TAPPS maintains that its eligibility rules are clear and that Johnson’s transfer violated the organization’s bylaws. The association’s stance is that the decision was made after a thorough review by its committees.
For families and fans in Denton County, the outcome is a reminder of the importance of understanding private‑school athletic regulations and the boundaries of legal recourse when those rules are applied.
Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.
