Update: HS Running Back Draws Flag for Pointing to God

Three days ago we posted the story about Ronnie Hastie who says he always kneels when he scores a touchdown.

Well the story is only building steam.

First a review of the facts from KOMO-TV's account:

The referee threw a flag, saying it was unsportsmanlike conduct.

Hastie said he's pointed up as a gesture to God after every touchdown he's scored in every game and never had a problem before.

"It's usually one or two seconds long," he said. "It's something I've done as a tradition."

Hastie said he asked the ref why he was penalized, and the ref responded that Hastie wasn't supposed to draw attention to himself.

"That wasn't the point (of the gesture), so I guess I was a little confused," Hastie said. "I do that to give glory to my heavenly father, Jesus. He gives me the strength. He's the one who gives me these abilities in the first place."

Hastie's father said his son points skyward in an effort to recognize something more important, actually trying to draw attention away from himself.

Here's how officials are explaining the decision:

Mike Colbrese, executive director of Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, said he has reviewed the video, but hasn't been told the circumstances behind the call by the referees' association.

Colbrese did add, however, that a rule requires a player to give up the ball immediately after the play, and Hastie failed to do so.

Hastie now says he'll now point to the God once he leaves the field: "I'll just have to change it up and not make as big of a statement, I guess. The refs are in charge."