Texas high school football team slammed over bizarre post-game punishment they inflicted on opponents
A high school football team from Houston, Texas, has been drafted after they were seen performing a strange activity on opponents in the handshake line after the game.
Willis High School athletes shook hands with Cleveland High School football players last Friday. In the other hand was a belt, with which they struck at their opponent’s buttocks.
The message was that the Wildkats beat Cleveland so badly, 77-0 to be exact, that they deserved another blow. It’s part of a larger viral movement called the BTA Challenge, where the acronym stands for ‘belt to a**’.
Both school districts and parents have condemned the behavior, with the Willis Independent School District suspending several players from the team after reviewing the incident, according to the Houston Chronicle.
“We are deeply disappointed by the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by some of our football players following last week’s game against Cleveland,” Willis’ ISD statement said.
A video emerged online showing Willis Wildkat football players hitting opponents with a belt
Willis suspended several players from his football team for just half of the next game
“This behavior does not reflect the values of our district, and we are doing everything we can to ensure this does not happen again. We have been in contact with the (University Interscholastic League) and have submitted our proposed disciplinary actions for review.”
The UIL is Texas’ high school sports governing body and has yet to impose additional discipline on the players or the school.
“While we await their decision on any additional sanctions, the athletes involved have already faced the consequences. They have been suspended for the first half of tomorrow’s match, must complete community service and have undergone disciplinary action during football training.’
‘We will not tolerate this behavior and we are actively taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future. We would like to express our deepest regrets to the athletes, coaches, parents and community of Cleveland ISD.”
Some aren’t happy with only a half suspension for some of the Wildkats, who enter this week’s game 5-0.
“I think it’s more than just half of a game suspension, maybe the rest of the season, some counseling,” Mary Almaguer, the parent of a Cleveland High School student, said KHOU.
Cleveland ISD released its own statement on the situation.
“The district is aware of a video making the rounds on social media regarding the Willis High School varsity football team and their inappropriate actions toward our varsity football team following last Friday night’s game.”
“Please know that this situation was addressed by CISD earlier this week. Superintendent McCanless has personally spoken with the Willis ISD Superintendent and official complaints have been filed with UIL and DEC. CISD does not condone unsportsmanlike conduct and will continue to take appropriate action in the future,”