Mayor Rob Ford was on the defence again Thursday for leaving a council meeting to coach a high school football game that ended in a fight.
“If I wasn’t there, things would have gotten out of hand,” Ford told reporters when he returned to City Hall.
He was visibly frustrated by reporters’ questions about his decision to leave the council meeting – something he’s been repeatedly criticized for.
Some councillors have said that Ford spends more time coaching football than tending to city business, but the mayor has always defended his schedule.
“I made a commitment…and I’m not changing,” he said Thursday.
It wasn’t clear what happened during the afternoon game between Ford’s Don Bosco Eagles and Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School’s team.
Police said there was a “scuffle” involving two people, but no one was hurt.
According to TTC spokesperson Brad Ross, Toronto police requested a bus to transport Don Bosco’s team members back to their Etobicoke school.
Ross said he couldn’t comment on the reason behind the bus request, but added that TTC often get such requests from police and always complies.
When Ford returned to the council meeting Thursday afternoon, he argued against finalizing a light rail transit deal between the TTC and Metrolinx.
Council voted 30-11 against the mayor.
