What did former Texas HS football player Emmanuel Duron do? Latest verdict on Edinburg football player after 2020 incident explored

Emmanuel Duron is a former high school football player from Texas. He gained notoriety for a highly controversial incident during a 2020 game between Edinburg High and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) High.

The incident, widely captured on video, involved Emmanuel Duron tackling referee Alfredo Gracia after being ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. Duron charged at Gracia, body-slamming him to the ground, which led to immediate and severe consequences.

Emmanuel Duron was expelled from the field and the game due to unsportsmanlike conduct. Then, he ran across the field and deliberately pushed referee Alfredo Gracia, making the latter fall.

As a result, Emmanuel Duron was taken into custody and accused of causing an incidence of violence. His teammates were also part of the consequences as the Edinburg school district gave up their playoff spot. Further, Duron was not allowed to join any high school sport.

Alfredo Gracia suffered concussion symptoms and a shoulder injury, prompting further legal actions. In 2021, he filed a lawsuit against Emmanuel Duron, the Rio Grande Texas Association of Sports Officials Football Chapter Division, and the Southwest Officials Association. He sought monetary relief exceeding $1 million for the physical and psychological damages incurred.

Emmanuel Duron avoids jail time for on-field assault

Emmanuel Duron, 22 years old, pleaded no contest to the December 3, 2020, accounts. The legal case was finalized on May 14, 2024. And upon inspection of the Hidalgo County records, it turned out that the order was to pay a $200 fine.

As reported by CBS 4 in Rio Grande Valley, Emmanuel Duron received deferred adjudication and will serve one year of community supervision. Additionally, Duron must maintain employment, avoid individuals and places of harmful character and refrain from possessing a firearm, among other conditions.

The civil suit filed by Alfredo Gracia is ongoing, with him seeking over $1 million in damages from Emmanuel Duron and the associated sports officials' organizations.

During the 2020-2021 season, Emmanuel Duron showed his defensive game with 120 total tackles, of which 50 were solo tackles, averaging 5.2 tackles per game.

Emmanuel Duron produced 11 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble on offense. Duron was also a flexible player, displaying skill and craft with a register of 23 receptions amounting to 237 yards.

Emmanuel Duron's average yards per reception stood at 10.3. Duron's proficiency was further highlighted by his four touchdowns, with a longest reception of 42 yards. Duron's dynamic play extended to all-purpose yards, where he accumulated an impressive 2,300 yards.