After his professional football career ended, Rodriguez began teaching in Hillsborough County, Florida, where he grew up. However, his teaching career has now abruptly ended due to shocking allegations.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Rodriguez was working at the Eisenhower Exceptional Center when a 9-year-old non-verbal student allegedly hit him with his hand on February 8. Rodriguez reportedly responded by punching the student in the face, causing the child to fall to the ground.
Following an investigation, the former Auburn Tigers wide receiver was arrested on Monday.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his dismay, stating, “I am disgusted by the actions of this individual who was not only in a position of authority and trust but was given the responsibility to protect our most vulnerable. No child, under any circumstance, should be subject to this level of violence. There is no place for the abuse of children in our schools or in our community, and our detectives will continue to work to ensure that all of our students are protected.”
A woman at Prechae Rodriguez’s residence declined to comment on the incident.
Hillsborough County Schools confirmed that Rodriguez has been terminated.
“Mr. Rodriguez was removed from the school while the investigation was ongoing and has now been terminated from the school district,” the district stated. “We are deeply disturbed by the charges. The safety and well being of our students is our top priority.”
