IHSA suspends North Chicago football
By Kent McDill
After an investigation into the events surround last Friday’s football game between North Chicago and Chicago Simeon, the IHSA Thursday suspended all levels of football at North Chicago until further notice.
A fight broke out among fans and members of the North Chicago football team with five minutes remaining in the first quarter of the game, and the game was called by the officials following the incident.
Simeon led 21-0 at the time of the incident and was declared the winner.
The IHSA also suspended eight players from the team for their actions during the incident. Six Simeon players received one-game suspensions and two received two-game suspensions. The Simeon suspensions begin immediately.
The Chicago Public Schools and IHSA worked together to determine the proper the proper action.
“We appreciate the cooperation we received from (CPS Sports Director) Calvin Davis and his staff,’’ IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman said. “We all agreed this was a serious matter and that disciplinary action was warranted.”
The North Chicago teams will be allowed to practice, but will forfeit games at all levels against Vernon Hills scheduled this weekend. The IHSA and North Chicago officials will meet next week to discuss the remainder of the 2009 football season.
“Hopefully, this troubling incident will serve as a teachable moment for both of these schools, as well as other student-athletes, coaches and fans who enjoy high school athletics in Illinois,’’ Hickman said in a press release from the IHSA. “We can’t change what took place last week, but those who enjoy the privilege of participating in interscholastic activities must understand they are obligated to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the ideals of good sportsmanship.”
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