Oregon high school football player is ejected after slamming into a rival carrying the American flag onto the field

The Jefferson High School player blindsided a Grant High School teammate leading his side out before Friday night's rivalry game in Portland. Portland Public Schools insists the incident had 'nothing whatsoever to do with the American flag'. The district says the boy 'allowed his emotions to override his judgment'. Jefferson's football team then deleted its Instagram account.

A since-deleted Jefferson post blamed 'disrespect' from Grant players and coaches before kickoff.

Jefferson principal Drake Shelton and athletic director Donnie Siel have not answered questions.

One fan wrote: 'Blindsiding a kid for carrying the flag onto the field is assault.'