Friday night’s homecoming game and festivities were cancelled at Edinburgh Community High School after an incident of harassment involving football players was reported.
Daily Journal File Photo
EDINBURGH — Edinburgh schools unexpectedly canceled their football game and homecoming festivities on Friday night.
The Lancers football game against the Milan Indians which was set for the Hollenbeck Complex at 7 p.m. Friday, was canceled. The Daily Journal’s sports intern, Caleb Crockett, observed that the stadium was empty that night.
”Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s homecoming football game and all related Homecoming activities are canceled,” Edinburgh football coach Tyler DeSpain said via text message. A similar message was posted on the Facebook page for Edinburgh Community Middle/High School earlier on Friday.
James Halik, interim superintendent for Edinburgh Community School Corp., told the Daily Journal a formal complaint on a “harassment incident” was filed, and officials are investigating the situation.
“There is zero tolerance for any harassment,” Halik said.
Edinburgh police responded to the high school on Thursday when the report of harassment was made. The harassment report involved Edinburgh football players. The incident started during football practice when a couple of players got into an argument, according to a statement by Edinburgh Police Chief Doyne Little Jr.
“We take any sort of harassment incident seriously and we investigate thoroughly,” Halik said. “Until the investigation is completed because of FERPA, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, we cannot say anything further.”
Edinburgh police are investigating the harassment complaint and will forward any criminal charges to the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office if a crime has been committed.
“At this time, no additional information is available as this is an ongoing investigation,” Little said.
On Sept. 13, Edinburgh football broke a 16-game losing streak with its 18-16 victory over the Indianapolis Crimson Knights. No other announcement was made about the rest of the season on Sept. 12.
Sports editor James Horne contributed to this story.
