An 18-year-old Palmetto High School football player was arrested following a post-game incident on campus last month, but the charges were later declined, court records show.
Jamari Isiah Smith, a defensive back wearing No. 27 for the Palmetto Tigers, was initially charged with disrupting a school function and a battery-related offense involving a school employee after an incident on Nov. 21, 2025, following the Tigers’ loss to the Mitchell Mustangs in the FHSAA 6A District 11 regional semifinal.
Video: Palmetto Tigers vs. Mitchell Mustangs – Nov. 21, 2025
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Palmetto Police Department, Smith became involved in a physical altercation with another player after the game. Although the players were separated, Smith allegedly refused to calm down and attempted to force his way back into the locker room to confront additional teammates.
Authorities say a school staff member attempted to block Smith and de-escalate the situation. The affidavit states Smith made a verbal threat toward the employee, saying, “I don’t give a f—, I’ll f— you up. I don’t give a f— about this school.” The staff member told police Smith clenched his fists, causing him to fear he was about to be struck. According to police records, the school administrator listed as the victim submitted a sworn statement as part of the investigation.
The affidavit states that all Palmetto police officers at the game and most school staff had to intervene to calm Smith before he was removed to a patrol vehicle, temporarily disrupting normal school operations.
Smith was represented by public defender Zachary Vidal, and the case was handled by Assistant State Attorney Vanessa Jennings of the 12th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office declined to file charges on Dec. 12, 2025, leaving open the possibility of future prosecution. As with all criminal cases, Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Jamari Isiah Smith PCA 11/21/2025
