Football coach fired over watermelon, ape-like celebrations rehired

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A South Carolina high school football coach has been reinstated after his firing over postgame celebrations that officials said had racial overtones, with players smashing watermelons and making ape-like sounds.

In a statement Wednesday, Charleston County School Superintendent Nancy McGinley said she reinstated Bud Walpole of Academic Magnet High School in Charleston County after meeting with him.

The statement says Walpole agreed to participate in any district sensitivity training and counsel players before games to be vigilant of their actions in dealing with those of different races or backgrounds.

Walpole was fired this week after McGinley was notified that celebrations offended the parent of an opposing player. The players from the predominantly white school were smashing watermelons with smiling faces drawn on them before eating them as a postgame snack.