Gibbs’ coach Louis Murphy, who led the Gladiators to their first winning season since 2015 and their playoff win since 2004 last year, has been suspended for six games for recruiting violations, Pinellas County athletic director Al Bennett said.

Murphy, the former Lakewood and Florida standout who spent 10 years in the NFL, including three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-16), has already served two games of the suspension according to Bennett. 

The school is appealing the decision handed down by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Bennet said the violations stem from two Boca Ciega players who were at offseason workouts with Gibbs but never enrolled at the school. 

The Gladiators have started the season 0-3. They host undefeated Largo on Friday.