Longtime Live Oak High assistant football coach Bill Sanford has
retired after an incident involving an official at the Acorn
football team
’s game at Hollister Friday night.
Longtime Live Oak High assistant football coach Bill Sanford has retired after an incident involving an official at the Acorn football team’s game at Hollister Friday night.
Sanford, who coached the defensive backs this season, had been a varsity assistant coach at Live Oak for 25 years, according to Acorn coach Glen Webb.
According to witnesses, Sanford began arguing with an official after an incomplete pass in the third quarter. The official threw a flag, and Sanford continued arguing, drawing another flag. Webb then intervened, restraining Sanford. After a few minutes, Sanford left the field and play resumed.
After the game, Webb indicated that Sanford would be fired and disciplinary action would be in line. After Sanford resigned, Webb was more reflective, calling Sanford a friend.
“In no way am I going to let (the incident) overshadow my respect for the contributions Bill Sanford has made to Live Oak football,” Webb said.
Former Live Oak football coach Norm Dow described Sanford as a great person who was his defensive cordinator starting in the late 80s. According to Dow, Sanford, in his mid to late 60s, retired after working for the FBI.
“He was a dedicated, reliable person who was fun to be around,” Dow said.
