A high school principal was suspended from his job for six days after giving a student a wedgie. The school board held a meeting Monday and decided to let him return to school, which he did on Tuesday.

Superintendent Hannibal Anderson said Principal Eric Messerili's behavior warranted "substantial disciplinary action" but not termination.

Anderson said Messerli, who is the principal at Park High School, was given a letter of reprimand. The AP quoted Anderson as saying, "It has been clearly recognized and stated that the behavior is inappropriate, unprofessional and unacceptable."

At a junior varsity soccer game on Oct. 5, Messerli grabbed a Park High senior's soccer jersey and pulled it over his head, then gave him a wedgie by pulling the waist band of his underwear.

Messerli cried Monday as he read a statement to the school board and public.

"I've made mistakes in my life, but none have had the impact this one has had," he said.

He said he initially wanted to resign, but he decided to "tackle this mess" head on."

"I want to live in a world where we don't have to hide when we screw up," he said.