Dwyer will appeal O'Leary suspension, but not forfeit games; O'Leary issues apology

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Dwyer athletic director Tom Pagley said Thursday that while the Panthers are angry and disappointed in the FHSAA's two-game suspension of Nick O'Leary, the team will not forfeit either of those games.

"At this moment, Nick O'Leary has a two-game suspension," Pagley said. "We are appealing to the state to bring it down to one game. We will play at Blum Stadium on Saturday night against Palm Beach Gardens, and we will play at Blum Stadium next Friday against Pahokee. Everything else you have heard has been highly exaggerated. We are not forfeiting any games."

PBgametime.com reported on Wednesday night that Dwyer was planning on forfeiting each game in which O'Leary is suspended.

The suspension comes two days after O'Leary was caught on ESPN's cameras making an obscene gesture toward Cleveland-Glenville players after Dwyer's controversial loss in the Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic. Pagley was also seen on ESPN's telecast trying to escort him off the field.

"People keep asking me, 'You couldn't keep his left arm down?' '" Pagley said, laughing.

But O'Leary's suspension is no laughing matter for the Panthers. Aside from being their most talented pass-catcher, O'Leary is invaluable as a blocker and on the defensive line.

FHSAA spokesman Seth Polansky said O'Leary can not play while appealing the suspension.

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In a letter to WPTV.com, Nick O'Leary issued the following apology:

Media Statement

I want to offer my sincere apologies and regrets for my actions. I made a poor decision at the end of an extremely intense and hard-fought game, and my actions came in the heat of the moment following a disappointment suffered by my entire team. Regardless, my actions were unfortunate and inexcusable. I have embarrassed myself and many others. I want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches, my school, my friends and family, and the community and state we were representing. I also wish to apologize to the players and coaching staff at Glenville. They played with talent and with heart, and they did not deserve my disrespect.

Our team traveled hundreds of miles at irregular hours. We scored three times in the last two minutes and were never awarded a touchdown. I was upset. I acted poorly. I regret my actions but feel as if my team has been punished enough. Now because of me they are being punished again. They have suffered enough. I want to move forward and learn from my mistakes.

The coaches and the school have disciplined me. I have read the Student-Athletes’ Code of Conduct and will comply with them in the future.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Nick O'Leary