The Connecticut high school football coach who stopped coaching mid-game after “confrontational exchanges” with players is hoping for a return to the team’s sideline.
In his first public comments since stepping aside during Stamford High School’s loss to Warde on Oct. 23, Donny Panapada did not detail what he said to his players, but he apologized and said he was seeking a chance to patch things up after the game and continue on as head coach.
“I want to sincerely apologize to my Black Knight Football Family, the Stamford football community, future Black Knights, and my own family for my actions on Friday night Oct. 23rd. In the heat of competition, I exercised poor judgment while addressing my team at halftime and immediately questioned my ability to lead the program in that moment,” Panapada said in a statement.
“To my players: I am sorry. You trusted me to lead you, and in the middle of a game I stepped away when you needed me most. That was wrong, and I understand why it hurt. This was my mistake, and I don’t want any of you carrying any of it. You have worked incredibly hard, and I am proud of every one of you.
“After the game, I hoped to address my players, take responsibility for my actions, and make amends. Following discussions with my Athletic Director, I believed I would have that opportunity the next morning. Instead, I was only given the chance to say goodbye.”
In a letter to parents, Stamford principal Matthew Forker said Panapada announced to his players and athletic director Chris Passamano that he was resigning. Forker also said after Panapada met with Passamano, the coaching staff and some players the morning after, it was determined there wasn’t a “viable path” for Panapada to “rescind his resignation.”
“I recognize that I made a mistake, and I was prepared to own it, learn from it, and work to repair the damage. Unfortunately, I was told there was no viable path forward, without being given the opportunity to demonstrate that commitment,” Panapada said in his statement. “Given the program I have helped to build at Stamford High School over the past 5 years, with approximately 100 student-athletes, I believe in the power of accountability, growth, and second chances. I remain convinced that when we take responsibility for our actions, there is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.
“I’m still hopeful that I will have the opportunity to lead the Program in the near future.”
Forker acknowledged in his letter that he had heard from families who were supportive of Panapada, believing he was a “positive influence” on their children.
“However, a head coach has a responsibility to lead by example and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the student athletes, coaching staff, and the entire school community, no matter the circumstances,” Forker wrote, per CT Insider.
“Confrontational exchanges with student athletes during a game, in front of a large crowd of families from both schools, followed by an in-game announcement of his resignation and a decision not to resume coaching responsibilities, are inconsistent with the standards we expect from those entrusted to lead our student athletes.”
Stamford trailed 30-0 at halftime against Warde and lost 42-14.
With the remainder of the coaching staff leading the team, Stamford lost to St. Joseph 61-8 on Saturday in its first game since Panapada’s departure.
Panapada had one final message for his former team, which has three games left.
“Black Knights finish the season strong and know that I am behind you,” he said.
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