NFL Referees Association condemns hits on Texas high school referee

The NFL Referees Association on Monday condemned the actions of two San Antonio high school football players who hit a referee from behind during a game Friday night.

The two defensive backs from John Jay High School -- identified as sophomore Victor Rojas and senior Mike Moreno by the San Antonio Express-News -- have been suspended and could face criminal charges after one hit referee Robert Watts from behind and the other subsequently speared him with his helmet during a game at Marble Falls, which is located about 90 miles north of San Antonio.

"These types of actions against any game official at any level are inexcusable," said a statement issued by NFL Referees Association executive director Jim Quirk. "We fully support the suspensions of the players involved, along with a full and complete investigation by the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL)."

Video shows Watts, who was watching the play from behind the defensive line, getting leveled from behind by a first player, causing Watts' head to snap back. The other player then is seen lowering his helmet and piling into Watts after he had fallen down.

Both Rojas and Moreno were suspended indefinitely from the team and from school. The Marble Falls police said in a statement Monday that no arrests have been made, but the department is conducting an investigation.

"I like to keep my officiating quiet; unfortunately this will be big news," Watts told TexasHSFootball.com.

Also, the UIL is working in conjunction with the Northside Independent School District to investigate the incident. The NISD said it would hear from game officials, coaches and students during a due process hearing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.