Former Stamford Football Coach Speaks Out After Resigning Mid-Game: 'I Am Sorry'

STAMFORD, CT — Former Stamford High School football head coach Donny Panapada, who resigned during the Black Knights' game at Fairfield Warde on Oct. 23, issued a statement to Patch over the weekend saying he was "sorry" for his actions.

"I want to sincerely apologize to my Black Knight Football Family, the Stamford football community, future Black Knights, and my own family for my actions on Friday night Oct. 23rd," Panapada said via email. "In the heat of competition, I exercised poor judgment while addressing my team at halftime and immediately questioned my ability to lead the program in that moment."

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The Black Knights were losing 30-0 at halftime to the Mustangs and eventually lost 42-14.

According to an email sent to football parents and players from SHS Principal Matthew Forker on Oct. 27, Panapada "engaged in exchanges with our student athletes and demonstrated poor judgment" during the first half of the game.

Forker said SHS Athletic Director Chris Passamano met with Panapada, select players, and the coaching staff the day after "to better understand the circumstances" surrounding the sudden resignation.

Forker said it became clear "there was not a viable path forward" for Panapada to rescind his resignation.

"To my players: I am sorry. You trusted me to lead you, and in the middle of a game I stepped away when you needed me most. That was wrong, and I understand why it hurt. This was my mistake, and I don't want any of you carrying any of it. You have worked incredibly hard, and I am proud of every one of you," Panapada said.

Panapada noted he had hoped to address his players after the game to "take responsibility for my actions, and make amends," and he said he believed he would get that opportunity the next morning after speaking with Passamano.

But he was only given the chance to say goodbye, Panapada said.

"I recognize that I made a mistake, and I was prepared to own it, learn from it, and work to repair the damage. Unfortunately, I was told there was no viable path forward, without being given the opportunity to demonstrate that commitment," Panapada said.

"Given the program I have helped to build at Stamford High School over the past 5 years, with approximately 100 student-athletes, I believe in the power of accountability, growth, and second chances. I remain convinced that when we take responsibility for our actions, there is always an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward."

Panapada noted he is "still hopeful" he will have the opportunity to lead the program in the "near future."

"Black Knights finish the season strong and know that I am behind you," Panapada said.

The Black Knights' first game without Panapada on the sideline resulted in a 61-8 loss to undefeated St. Joseph on Oct. 31.

SHS is 3-4 on the season.

Forker said last week that an interim coach will not be named. The current coaching staff will assume collective head coaching duties for the remainder of the 2026 season.