Brett Bowden's passion is to play high school football, but state rules say he can no longer play because he is too old.
Aug 11, 2011
Community support is growing for a Sampson County teenager with Down syndrome whose passion to play football is being quashed by the state agency that regulates high school athletics.
For the past two years, Brett Bowden has suited up for every practice with Hobbton High School's varsity football team, and although he doesn't play in the games, he's always on the sideline cheering on his teammates.
His teammates even let him run a touchdown play after every game.
But Brett recently turned 19, and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association says he is no longer eligible to suit up because he is too old. Allowing him to do so, Hobbton High athletics administrators say, is a violation of state rules.
"When I found out, I was heartbroken. I mean, the tears were just flowing," Brett's mother, Pat Bowden, said Monday. "It means a lot for him just to stand there and be a part of them, just like them."
A spokesman for the NCHAA says it understands and appreciates the community support for Brett but that there's nothing that can be done. He can continue wearing a team jersey and sitting on the sideline, but he can't suit up or play.
Brett's family and friends have gone online in an effort to bring attention to the story.
Since starting a Facebook page last Friday, more than 1,200 people have rallied behind Brett, expressing their desires that he be allowed to continue suiting up.
"What they are doing to Brett is so unfair," one person wrote on the page. "The presence of Brett (on) the team teaches a big lesson to the community and teammates. LET HIM PLAY."
"The whole NCHSAA should be utterly ashamed of themselves for being so inconsiderate to someone that just wants to be a part of something!" another person wrote.
Pat Bowden says her son still doesn't know that he's no longer allowed to put on the uniform.
Family and friend are hoping that there is still a chance that the NCHSAA will make an exception before the team's first scrimmage this week.
If not, Pat Bowden says, she will have to explain to Brett why he can't wear his uniform.
Brett has a close relationship to the team, his mother says, and the news that he can no longer participate in practices has been difficult for them, too.
"They're his family," Pat Bowden said. "They're his brothers, his best friends."
"It literally breaks my heart," said Charles Chestnutt, Brett's teammate and close friend.
The Hobbton High football team is still reeling from the loss last year of its starting quarterback, Brad Evans, who committed suicide.
Brett has worn Evans' number on his helmet, and other players say that he has helped them heal.
"He's just been my buddy. He's been my inspiration – one of the reasons I keep doing what I do every day, playing football," Chestnutt said.
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