Player: Coach axed me for being gay

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WAHPETON, N.D., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A North Dakota college student-athlete said he was kicked off his school's football team for being gay.

Jamie Kuntz, 18, of Dickinson, N.D., disputes the explanation that he was removed as a linebacker for North Dakota State College of Science for lying to the coach, The Forum, Fargo, N.D., reported.

Instead, Kuntz said he was removed because he was seen kissing a 65-year-old male companion while sidelined with an injury during a game on Sept. 1.

The decision to kick Kuntz off the team was made after a 10-minute meeting with the head coach.

"He said that I was a distraction and I was a detriment to the team," Kuntz said. He has since withdrawn from the school.

North Dakota State College of Science does not list being homosexual as grounds for dismissal in its player's manual.

College President John Richman said he supports the coach's decision.