Suitland HS Varsity Football Team Returns To The Field After A Suspension

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The suspension inflicted on Suitland High School's varsity football team by school officials has been lifted.

The incident happened at the Sept. 22 football game played at High Point High School in Beltsville where Suitland won against Bladensburg. Video posted on social media by a Facebook user shows Suitland players holding up towels emblazoned with “Mustang Nation,” which is a reference to Bladensburg’s mascot. A coach is then seen approaching a player and trying to take one of the towels from a player’s hand before the video ends. The Facebook user states that the coach pushed a player.

Players and coaches were separated after an on-duty officer used an “OC gel spray” away from the crowd, a police spokesperson told WTOP. No one was injured and no one was arrested. School officials declined to identify the coach involved in the incident or provided their status.

"Our boys are on our side of the field after the game celebrating. Dude in the all black who walks up is a Blade assistant coach who is approaching our player trying to snatch a towel from him while he’s not looking. You walked past three coaches to approach a player to try to snatch something from him and then push him. Of course stuff is going to get heated. Yet Suitland’s season is placed on hold," the Facebook user, Donald Slaughter, posted.

Shawntea Smith, who told WJLA her son was holding the towel in the video, said the opposing coach "assaulted" her son and the discipline delivered to Suitland is "disappointing."

Players, students, parents and staff weren't happy with the suspension as that game was Suitland's homecoming game. Bladensburg was allowed to play and didn't receive a suspension, the Facebook user noted.

"Bladensburg is still playing ... for something their assistant coach ignited. NAH. I’m hearing Blade may have a different video nonetheless this is what started the nonsense. Yet Suitland’s varsity team is being told we cannot resume our season until the investigation is completed, but Blade is still playing even with the investigation still going on. Talk about a double standard," the Facebook user stated.

After it was announced that Suitland's season would be suspended, parents and Suitland alumni started an online petition calling for school officials to restore the Rams’ ability to play. Their record was 5-0 at the time. The petition has garnered more than 2,300 signatures.

"This petition aims to shed light on the wrongful actions that took place during a recent incident involving the Bladensburg High School coach, which resulted in our beloved Rams being denied their well-deserved celebration. On that fateful day, two Suitland coaches and the team were disrespected when the Bladensburg coach walked past them and physically assaulted one of our students," petition creator Adia Brown wrote, whose daughter is a football manager.

"In an inspiring display of unity, fellow teammates stood together to protect their teammate from harm. However, instead of receiving justice for this assault, they were met with excessive force as police officers maced them without justification. To make matters worse, it has come to our attention that the Bladensburg coach named students who were not even present at the scene. This false accusation only adds insult to injury for our undefeated team who have worked tirelessly throughout the season," Brown stated.

Brown described the team as more than just that - they are a family.

" They have shown incredible dedication by committing themselves to school and striving for excellence despite challenging circumstances in their community. These young Black men face numerous obstacles every day but choose education, teamwork and personal growth over succumbing to negative influences. It is imperative that we stand together as a community to support these remarkable individuals who represent resilience and determination in Suitland," Brown wrote.

In a letter obtained by WTOP to school Principal Ronald Hollis, coordinating supervisor for interscholastic athletics Shirley Diggs said the Rams could resume their season this past Friday but that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Suitland played Northwestern in its homecoming game and defeated the Wildcats 40-0.

“Pending the outcome of the investigation, the athletic office reserves the right to revisit and determine any additional penalties if necessary,” Diggs said in the letter. “Please remind your team that any further altercations may result in a forfeit for the remainder of the football season.”

Fox 5 DC first reported the decision to lift the suspension after an emergency meeting held Thursday afternoon.

"I have witnessed firsthand the incredible bond these players share and how they uplift each other through adversity. It is crucial that we protect our young Black men from unjust treatment because they deserve a chance to thrive in an environment that supports their growth and success," Brown wrote on the online petition.