ST. LOUIS —
When the Roosevelt Roughriders took the field Thursday night, someone was missing from the field, but not from the stands.
Former Head Coach Trey Porter, who was fired Wednesday, wouldn't miss the game, even if he couldn't wear the headset.
"It’s a whole bunch of BS," said Sharonda Cox, a mother of one of the players.
We first introduced you to Coach Porter back in August, when he postponed practice to talk to his team about violence in St. Louis.
He also introduced a texting policy for his players each weekend, so he could know they are out of trouble.
"You need to call, text or Huddle message me every night — Friday, Saturday, Sunday -- because those are the days I know I'm not going to see them," Porter explained to us back in August.
Porter tells 5 On Your Side, that's what got him fired. He was told he violated SLPS's social media policy.
Sure enough, that's in the code of conduct book.
It says employees may not friend students on social media or use electronic media to communicate with students without approval from administrators and parents.
But we spoke to four different Roosevelt High parents who said, that rule just doesn't work these days.
"That’s how everybody communicates, on social media," said LaTasha Johnson.
"It’s antiquated, it’s ancient, it doesn’t make sense," said Renee Butts.
St. Louis Public schools isn't allowed to comment on personnel matters, but did provide this statement to 5 On Your Side:
"Our social media policies, and any actions taken pursuant to those policies, are consistent and in compliance with Missouri law, and designed to protect the safety and security of our students."
Latasha said if it wasn't for social media, Coach Porter couldn't have helped her son when he needed it the most.
"When my son lost his father, Coach Porter saw on social media and came to my home to comfort my son," said Johnson.
Rough Rider football players now vow to fight the district on Porter's termination.
"A lot of them was hurt, a lot of them was mad," said Cox.
Roosevelt road to victory Thursday night, even without their coach. Many of the moms believe their sons are still here and able to play, because of him.
"They need to let him come back and be here for these boys, because they need their coach," said Johnson.
You can hear from Coach Porter in his own words, by clicking here.
