A former starting quarterback returned from dismissal to support his teammates Thursday night, Oct. 15, as a dispute engulfing an Arizona high school football program took another turn, with school officials denying media members access to the game.

Desert Ridge High School (Mesa, AZ) athletic director Kevin Swann turned away Arizona Republic reporter Richard Obert and a photographer attempting to cover the Jaguars' matchup against Corona del Sol on Thursday, Oct. 15. Swann said he was acting under a directive from Gilbert Public Schools. The Arizona Republic is part of the USA TODAY Network.

The decision came amid mounting scrutiny of Desert Ridge's handling of former quarterback Gunner Brewer's dismissal and the subsequent suspensions of 12 players who advocated for his return.

Brewer, a senior who was removed from the team Monday, Oct. 5, attended Thursday's game despite no longer being part of the program. He spoke with reporters outside the stadium, where a district spokesperson said video recording was not permitted on school property.

"I can't give up on my brothers," Brewer told The Republic. "I want to support my brothers."

The circumstances surrounding Brewer's departure have divided families associated with the program, with some questioning the coach's decision and others defending his efforts to establish accountability in a team coming off a winless season.

The district's rationale for restricting media access had not been publicly explained in the reporting available Thursday night.

Dispute began with a play on the field

Brewer wanted his running back to carry the ball to secure a first down and help close out the victory. He said the play worked and that he hadn't been told he could not change a call.

Brewer's dismissal followed Desert Ridge's 14-12 win against Vail Cienega on Oct. 2. His mother, Marie Brewer, said coach Miles Smith removed her son from the team after he changed a play during the game.

"I never expected it," Brewer said in an interview with The Republic. "I never got told it was bad to call an audible."

Brewer said he was disappointed to lose the opportunity to finish his senior season. He had completed 101 of 203 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns through six games, while adding 359 rushing yards and six scores.

In an interview with AZ Family, a CBS TV station local to the area, Brewer offered additional context about his decision. He said changing plays at the line of scrimmage had been permitted under the team's previous offensive coordinator, who was fired at the end of September. Brewer said he trusted his running back to secure the first down.

Brewer said he was disappointed to lose the opportunity to finish his senior season. Through six games, he had completed 101 of 203 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 359 rushing yards and six scores.

Smith, who was hired last December, had not publicly responded to The Republic's requests for comment about Brewer's dismissal in the reporting available Thursday night.

Dozen players suspended after supporting Brewer

The dispute escalated two days after Brewer's dismissal, when players met with Smith to discuss the decision. According to parents, approximately 12 players indicated they wanted Brewer reinstated before leaving the meeting.

All 12 were subsequently suspended for the remainder of the season, including five seniors. Underclassmen have been told they can return to the team in the offseason.

Brewer said that the players approached coaches the following Monday to express disagreement with his dismissal. He said the suspensions followed their show of support.

"They definitely had my back," Brewer said in his interview with AZ Family. "And I have theirs 100%."

Swann addressed the meeting in a letter to football parents reviewed by The Republic. He said players were given an opportunity to voice their opinions about Brewer's removal and that a large number raised their hands in support of bringing the quarterback back.

Swann also said players indicated Smith had treated them fairly. According to his letter, players and coaches interviewed about the meeting denied that Smith had raised his voice, disrespected players or told them to leave practice.

The letter said the meeting concluded with instructions for players to separate into their offensive and defensive groups. A group then chose to leave practice.

The differing accounts have left questions about the meeting and the resulting suspensions unresolved.

One parent, whose son remains on the team defended Smith's approach, saying that rebuilding a program requires players to accept uncomfortable decisions and constructive criticism.

Desert Ridge went 0-10 last season. Smith is in his first season leading the Jaguars, with assistance from his father, former NFL head coach Lovie Smith.

The elder Smith also became part of the public dispute after a confrontation connected to the controversy circulated in a viral video.

Brewer says he still supports the program

For Brewer, Thursday's return was about maintaining his connection to teammates he has played alongside for years.

He said he watched Desert Ridge's 49-7 loss to Mesa Red Mountain on Oct. 9 from the stands and returned the following week because he did not want to abandon the team.

Brewer said he had previously been told to leave when he attempted to help at a game and to stay away from the field house and players. His account raises questions about whether the circumstances surrounding his Thursday appearance differed from those of the previous week.

Brewer also praised the 12 players who supported him, saying their decision demonstrated the strength of their relationships.

Despite his frustration, Brewer said he holds no ill will toward the coaching staff.

"I still love the coaching staff," he said. "I love them, no matter what. I know they're doing what's best."