The Antioch Unified School District and Pittsburg Unified School District Superintendents issued the following joint-statement tonight regarding an incident at Friday night’s football game.
According to the District, they will take disciplinary actions if necessary, however, at this point in their investigation they say they believed this to be a series of miscommunication. They also believed neither school showed intent to disrespect the country’s National Anthem.
Finally, the school stated that they believed both teams showed great sportsmanship during and after the game and no other incidents occurred. We encourage our
Below is a 9-minute video of the incident in question where football players and the band were on the field at the same time followed by the joint-District statement.
Here is a copy of the letter sent at 9:08 pm Monday.
October 19
6:00 pm
As you are probably aware, an incident occurred prior to the Deer Valley/Pittsburg High Football game over the weekend that has received a lot of media (and social media) attention. We felt it was important for you to hear from both districts regarding the incident and what we plan to do as a result.
First of all, please know that, as educational and community leaders, school and student safety is our highest priority. This commitment stretches beyond the classroom walls and applies to sporting events, extra-curricular activities and community activities that involved our students and staff members. Thus, when we learn of an incident that may compromise the safety of students, we take it very seriously. Our districts and schools always embraced a collaborative and positive working relationship, whether its in the classroom, in the meeting room, or on the football field.
The incident involving football players and band members was regrettable and should not have occurred. We met today with the principals, athletic directors and other personnel to discuss the incident, collect more information and begin a joint investigation. At this point, we believe that a series of miscommunications occurred that resulted in both the Pittsburg High band and Deer Valley High football team being on the field at the same time. This created confusion on the part of the Pittsburg band members and Deer Valley football players.
We believe there was no intent on either side to disrespect the observance of our country’s National Anthem, both AUSD and PUSD have coaching and support staff who served proudly in the armed forces and who deeply value our flag and country.
The investigation will continue to determine where communication may have broken down and to address the various allegations brought forth as a result of Friday’s game. If we determine any of the allegations to be true, we will take swift and appropriate action.
We will never condone poor sportsmanship at any of our events or activities. We are saddened by the negative messages being portrayed about our students in social media. Both teams showed great sportsmanship during and after the game and no other incidents occurred. We encourage our communities to please not jump to conclusions and understand we are working cooperatively together, and will continue to work together to promote safe and positive experiences for our students.
Donald Gill, Superintendent AUSD
Janet Schulze, Superintendent PUSD
6 comments
My first thought that comes to my mind is WTF, but I will refrain from swearing. Are they watching the same video as I am or are they delusional? While they can say the intend did not happen, it DID happen and each action has a consequence.
Hard to believe that the sups came to that conclusion. Didn’t they watch the video?
Everyone who coaches or has been involved for years knows when the band comes on they must clear the field. This is not a new coaching staff. Watch and listen the song Is America” and they know the National Anthem. This is a disgrace and shameful to our country and what does it teach our youth. A flag was thrown from taunting those who were there saw the intent and the way Deer Valley coaching staff. Had no respect to clear there players from the field. Being a former Drum Major , everyone from the coaches to the band teachers are responsible for the safety of there students. The speakers announced the band. No excuse. Everyone knows to clear the field.
Yes, these superintendents need to seek rehab as they are completely high. Even if this was someone’s first day ever playing football and also ever seeing what looked like a band playing and moving in formation, the football players that were “misinformed” about who was supposed to be on the field, RAN at the band members, not once, but twice! Were even inside the bands formation! During the national anthem! What idiots! Can’t blame the football players if they get their leads from teachers and superintendents like these blind fools. How embarrassing ONCE AGAIN for ANTIOCH! Great job! Reinforces my decision to not just move but run from Antioch!
It appears the investigation was the LEAST thorough you could get away with! Why not ask the band members what happened? the players, ill bred though they are and prone to not telling the truth. PUSD and AUSD both need to go into this with an open mind – take lots of time, interview lots of people involved, before releasing any statement Back to the drawing board! You did not do a complete and thorough job.
Being thuggish has no consequences. Thug life influences these kids and no one cares. It must be normal now. Deer Valley’s thug like behavior is okay with everyone?
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