SC coach fired over watermelon celebration rehired

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina high school football coach fired because of postgame celebrations that officials said involved players smashing watermelons and making ape-like sounds has been reinstated.

Charleston County School Superintendent Nancy McGinley released a statement saying she reinstated Academic Magnet coach Bud Walpole after meeting with him Wednesday.

The statement said Walpole agreed to participate with students in any district sensitivity training and counsel players before games to be vigilant of their actions in dealing with those of different races or backgrounds.

Walpole was fired this week after McGinley was notified that the parent of an opposing player was offended by the celebrations. The players from the predominantly white school were smashing watermelons with smiling faces drawn on them before eating the watermelons as a postgame snack.