Arizona high school suspends 12 players after quarterback is dismissed

Desert Ridge High School in Mesa dismissed quarterback Gunner Brewer after he changed a play during a game.

Brewer said he wanted a running back to carry the ball, and that changing plays at the line had been allowed under the previous offensive coordinator.

Twelve teammates were suspended for the rest of the season after telling coaches they disagreed with Brewer's dismissal, he said.

The dispute followed Desert Ridge's 14-12 win over Vail Cienega on October 2.

Brewer attended a later game to support his teammates, but school officials denied media access to that game and did not publicly explain the restriction.

The suspensions include five seniors, while younger players have been told they may return in the offseason.

The school district's response and the team's next steps remain unclear in the available information.