The Texas high school football players caught on video blindsiding a referee told ABC News they did it under their coach's orders.
Michael Moreno and Victor Rojas say assistant coach Mack Breed pulled them aside and told them, "You need to hit the ref. He needs to pay the price."
Video shows one of the teens slamming into referee Robert Watts from behind. The second teen then piles on once Watts is already on the ground.
“You put your trust into this grown-up, this guardian, your coach, who’s been there for me. ... I trust him. I did what I was told,” Moreno said.
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Moreno and Rojas said the coach was angry at Watts for allegedly missing calls and using racial slurs during the game.
Through an attorney, Watts denied that accusation. Breed is currently on paid leave and has not released a statement.
Moreno told ABC News he wants to be an aerospace engineer, but is now worried his suspension and potential criminal charges could put that in jeopardy.
“Everyone sees me as this thug or this gangster, I did this because I’m this bad guy … that’s not who I am,” said Moreno, 17. “Underneath the helmet and the pads, I’m a great kid.”
