“Auburn Football Alum Prechae Rodriguez Arrested for Alleged Assault on Autistic Student”
Prechae Rodriguez, a former Auburn football player, found himself in legal trouble after being arrested earlier this week for an incident involving a 9-year-old autistic student at a Florida school where he was employed. The 39-year-old Rodriguez, charged with one count of child abuse, allegedly punched the non-verbal student at the Eisenhower Exceptional Center in Gibsonton, a suburb of Tampa, where he worked as a behavior support specialist.
According to reports from the Tampa Bay Times, the altercation occurred on February 8th when the student reportedly struck Rodriguez with his hand. In response, Rodriguez purportedly punched the child, causing him to fall to the ground. Following an investigation into the incident, Rodriguez was apprehended on Monday at his residence in Sun City Center, Florida. He was subsequently released on a $2,500 surety bond early Tuesday, as per records from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The Hillsborough County School District issued a statement expressing deep concern over the charges and announced Rodriguez’s termination from the school district. The district emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of its students, making it clear that such behavior is unacceptable.
A native of Tampa, Rodriguez rose to prominence during his tenure with the Auburn Tigers from 2005 to 2007, notably making a decisive touchdown catch during the 2006 Iron Bowl against Alabama. While his professional career in the NFL didn’t materialize, Rodriguez found success playing in the Canadian Football League and various indoor leagues. His most recent stint was with the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League in 2016.
The incident involving Rodriguez has sparked outrage and concern, shedding light on the importance of safeguarding vulnerable students and ensuring a safe learning environment in educational institutions. As legal proceedings unfold, the ramifications of Rodriguez’s actions continue to reverberate, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of educators and the paramount importance of protecting children from harm.
