A tirade during halftime of a game Oct. 17 was the reason Union football coach Steve Pyne was placed on administrative leave by Evergreen Public Schools.

In an e-mail sent to Union players, parents and coaches on Wednesday, Pyne apologized for his actions midway through a 42-6 loss to Skyview at McKenzie Stadium. He also revealed he will serve a two-game suspension to start the 2026 season.

EPS spokesperson Craig Birnbach confirmed the authenticity of Pyne’s e-mail, which was obtained by The Columbian on Wednesday afternoon.

Union trailed 28-0 at halftime on Oct. 17. The eventual loss in the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League opener dropped the Titans’ record to 2-5.

Pyne was placed on administrative leave from his coaching and teaching positions just prior to Union’s final game of the

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