Former college football star turned Florida teacher 'punched nine-year-old autistic student in the FACE' after  student reportedly slapped educator

A former college football star turned 'behavior support teacher' has been charged with child abuse after allegedly punching an autistic nine-year-old to the ground in a school corridor.

Prechae Rodriguez reportedly saw red after the child, who is non-verbal, slapped the 6ft 5ins wide receiver as they walked out of a gym together at Eisenhower Exceptional Center outside Tampa.

Rodriguez, 39, is accused of responding with a punch to the face which floored his young charge and prompted his suspension by the Hillsborough County School District.

The one-time Auburn University star was arrested at his home in Sun City Center and released from jail with a $2,500 bond on Tuesday after being charged with one count of child abuse.

'I am disgusted by the actions of this individual who was not only in a position of authority and trust but was given the responsibility to protect our most vulnerable,' Sheriff Chad Chronister said.

Prechae Rodriguez, 39, has been charged with child abuse after allegedly punching an autistic child 

The 6ft 5ins wide receiver enjoyed an  illustrious football career with teams including the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Tampa Bay Storm, and the Chicago Bears

He was given a job in August as a behavior support teacher for disabled children at the Exceptional Center within Eisenhower Middle School in Gibsonton, Florida 

Rodriguez, who describes himself on his X profile as Dean of student affairs services and SLAM Tampa director of football operations, was named the CFL East Division most outstanding rookie in 2008.

His career took in more than a dozen teams including Tampa Bay Storm, the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Power before he retired in 2016.

While with Storm, his 125 receptions set a single season franchise record, and he notched up 4,925 receiving yards during his years in the Arena Football League.

But his behavior has infuriated parents at the school in Gibsonton which caters for children with disabilities.

'They sometimes don't know how to express how they're feeling and being physical may be something that they resort to,' said mother Brittany Collins who herself has an autistic child at the school.

'It is a common behavior for kids with autism, especially if they are non-verbal,' she told Fox13.

Rodriguez only started working at the school in August, and in a post to his Facebook page on Tuesday the now sacked teacher wrote: 'I really need everyone's support right now. You are truly a blessing.'

A spokesman for the school district said the child was immediately attended to after being punched by his teacher in the February 8 attack.

While with Storm, his 125 receptions set a single season franchise record, and he notched up 4,925 receiving yards during his years in the Arena Football League

The Tampa native who studied for an MA in Sports Psychology at Capella University asked for 'support' in an appeal on his Facebook page 

'Mr Rodriguez was removed from the school while the investigation was going on and has now been terminated from the district,' they added.

'We are deeply disturbed by the charges. The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority.'

Sheriff Chronister said the police investigation was ongoing.

'There is no place for the abuse of children in our schools or in our community, and our detectives will continue to work to ensure that all of our students are protected,' he added.