5 hours ago
23
An Arizona high school has canceled its football season with detectives investigating sexual misconduct allegations involving players.
The Saddle Mountain Unified School District announced it has made the 'difficult decision' to cancel all remaining varsity and junior varsity football games for Tonopah Valley High School.
District Superintendent Michael Winters said in a video on Friday the decision has been taken as the school does not have enough eligible players to field a team safely.
He called the decision 'very straightforward' after exploring several options to find a solution but being unable to do so.
The team had initially canceled its August 21 game against Odyssey Institute and August 28 game against Scottsdale Christian after the Saddle Mountain Unified School District confirmed it had 'initiated an investigation' after it received a report 'concerning a potential serious incident involving faculty members and members of the high school football team.'
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the Williams Police Department are working to piece together sexual misconduct allegations that have been described as 'complex', per The Arizona Republic.
Tonopah Valley High School in Arizona has had the rest of its football season canceled
The Saddle Mountain Unified School District has taken the decision to cancel the season
The Sheriff's Office took a report over a 'dry humping' incident that took place at a football camp in July in Williams, per spokesperson Dave Moyer, who said no victims were willing to press charges. It was later confirmed certain faculty members were placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Saddle Mountain Unified School District confirmed it had initiated an investigation involving law enforcement, saying: 'Student safety and well-being remain the highest priorities of Saddle Mountain Unified School District.'
Superintendent Winters said: 'Because it is active, we are not able to speak about it, and we'll not be talking about this further until this investigation is complete.
'I ask the community to avoid speculation and trust the process.'
He said no further details can be released without potentially compromising the investigation or the privacy of those involved.
Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez told The Arizona Republic in an email that investigators are still interviewing individuals, examining available evidence and gathering information.
'MCSO and the Williams Police Department take allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and remain committed to conducting a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation,' Enriquez said.
'Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the fact that students are involved, investigators are taking appropriate steps to protect the privacy of those involved while ensuring the investigation is conducted with the care and attention it requires.
The school's varsity and junior varsity football teams will not play again this season
The school originally canceled two games when the investigation was launched
'MCSO Special Victims Unit detectives are conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation into these allegations.'
Superintendent Winters said in the video confirming the canceled season that the decision was taken after speaking with students, parents, coaches, governing board members and community leaders but finding no 'responsible path' for the season to continue.
He said it is 'not a reflection on the students who remain committed to the program and want to play, and we are grateful for their patience, maturity and dedication they have shown during a very difficult period.'
The district is also 'working hard to find performance opportunities' for those missing out from the cheer team and band because of the football season being canceled.
