Alleged racial taunts, spitting at Arizona high school basketball game prompts investigations

Accusations circulate of racial taunts at Arizona high school basketball game

A state representative is calling for an investigation into alleged racial taunts being used during a basketball game between Chinle and Coolidge High Schools.

COOLIDGE, Ariz. - A state representative is calling for an investigation into alleged racial taunts being used during a basketball game between two Arizona high schools on Friday night.

What we know:

The incident occurred during a 3A boys basketball quarterfinal game at Coolidge High School, against Chinle High, on Feb. 20. 

The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) said they were made aware of incidents before, during and after the game, "involving fans and crowd management." 

"The AIA is actively looking into the serious situation that occurred at the boys basketball playoff game between Chinle and Coolidge on Friday night. Reports are still being gathered from all parties. Pending results of the investigation, the AIA will use its Bylaws to address any findings. The association will not tolerate any discriminatory words or actions toward teams and fans. High school sporting events are times to bring communities together. Any actions to the contrary will be dealt with," AIA said in full. 

On Feb. 25, the association released the following statement, saying the athletic department at Coolidge High was placed on probation. 

"Today the Arizona Interscholastic Association's Executive Board took the action of placing the athletic department of Coolidge High School on Probation effective immediately for 365 days. All Coolidge athletic teams will be ineligible for postseason competition during this time frame as per Bylaw 16.1. The AIA and its member schools are committed to highest levels of respectful behavior from all of the participants at all AIA events."

What they're saying:

Democrat State Representative Myron Tsosie said fans reached out to him, claiming Chinle players were called racially abusive names and spat on after their playoff loss. He plans on filing a complaint with the AIA. 

"Our students and fans should not have to endure this kind of behavior and be made to feel unsafe at what is supposed to be a fun, exciting and positive experience. As a member of the State Legislature and a sitting member of the Chinle Unified School District Governing Board, I am collecting videos and witness statements and will be issuing a complaint to AIA officials next week. This was unacceptable and clearly violates AIA's harassment policy," he said in full. 

Dig deeper:

The Coolidge Superintendent also released a statement saying the district is aware of the allegations and is conducting its own investigation. 

"The Coolidge Unified School District (CUSD) is aware of the allegations made regarding Friday night’s basketball game between Coolidge and Chinle. The District is conducting an investigation of the allegations and have been in communication with the AIA and will fully cooperate with their review."