ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A fight broke out at a Monroe High School versus East High School Section V Class B Semifinal football game on Saturday. The fight appeared to start when a Monroe player tackled an East player after the game.
The Rochester City School District (RCSD) and Section V Athletics are investigating what led up to the fight.
Viewer video from Tyler Colbey and News10NBC’s Ian Mills showed both teams throwing punches and wrestling each other to the ground. Coaches tried to pull players apart as the brawl escalated.
Multiple Monroe players tackled an East player while punching him, according to the video.
“Hey, man, it was just an emotional game. Unfortunately, it had to end that way. I won’t discredit, they had a great season and sometimes great things got to come to an end. So that’s what happened at the end,” said James Vann, head coach of East.
News10NBC observed the head coaches for both schools embrace after the game. Reporter Declan Stablow reached out to both schools, Section V Athletics, and the RCSD for comment about possible discipline or injuries. We’re waiting to hear back from the schools. See the statements from Section V and RCSD below.
RCSD statement
The RCSD gave a statement, saying the behavior is unacceptable and that the district is reviewing what happened:
“The Rochester City School District is aware of an altercation involving players following today’s football game between East High School and Monroe High School.
“Both teams have worked hard throughout the season, and it is disappointing that the game ended this way. This type of behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the sportsmanship we expect from our student athletes.
“The District is reviewing what occurred and will address any violations in accordance with our Code of Conduct. Our expectation is that students compete with respect for one another, both on and off the field.“
Section V statement
In this statement on Sunday, made by Section V Executive Director Kathy Hoyt, she said the game remains under review:
“Section V is working closely with the Rochester City School District and the administrations of the schools involved to review and address the unfortunate incident that occurred at the Class B football semifinal between East/WOIS and Monroe on Saturday, November 7.
“All member schools of Section V and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) are required to comply with NYSPHSAA rules and regulations, including those pertaining to sportsmanship.
“Section V continues to work with school administrators to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the involvement of individual student-athletes and any applicable eligibility considerations.
“The status of the Section V Class B Football Championship game remains under review.
“Unsportsmanlike conduct has no place in education-based athletics and is inconsistent with the values of respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship that we expect all student-athletes to demonstrate, both on and off the field.”
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