Former Professional football player turned teacher arrested for punching a 9-year-old autistic student
Prechae Rodriguez was a star football player and balled out for the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena League before joining the CFL and having a stellar career in Canada. The former Auburn player however is now being charged with child abuse for allegedly hitting a child with autism in the face.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said a 9-year-old, non-verbal student hit Prechae Rodriguez, 39, a Behavior Support Teacher at Eisenhower Exceptional Center while walking out of the gym. That’s when the teacher punched the child in the face, causing the child to fall to the ground.
Rodriguez was hired in August 2023, and had no other issues during his employment, according to Hillsborough County schools.
The school district said the incident was reported immediately, and the child was cared for. District officials said Rodriguez has been terminated.
After an investigation, Rodriguez was arrested on Monday.
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