Ringgold resumes football activities after investigation into "alleged incidents of misconduct"
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Ringgold School District on Monday announced that, after an investigation into "alleged incidents of misconduct," football activities will resume in the district.
Ringgold High School postponed Friday's football game against Thomas Jefferson due to its investigation into the matter.
In a letter to families, Superintendent Randall Skrinjorich said the district learned of the alleged incidents on Thursday and postponed Friday's game because of the "serious nature of the alleged incidents that involve members of the football team."
Skrinjorich said the district's top priority is the safety and well-being of students.
On Monday, Superintendent Skrinjorich released a follow-up letter to community members, saying the investigation has concluded and no criminal charges will be filed.
The Ringgold School District Police Department and the Washington County District Attorney's Office conducted a thorough investigation into possible criminal conduct. That investigation has determined no criminal charges will be filed. The Ringgold School District administration also completed a thorough investigation of administrative regulations and policies. We have concluded that there was inappropriate behavior and violations to the District's athletic rules and regulations; however, these violations were isolated to a small subset of the football players and were not pervasive. We have also concluded that at no time was the coaching staff aware of the misconduct and that, if they were, they would have acted in an appropriate fashion as indicated by their commitment to creating an inclusive, family atmosphere where all students can learn and grow as football players and young men.
Ringgold is 1-6 this season, while Thomas Jefferson is 7-0. If this game is not made up, it will be a forfeit win for Thomas Jefferson.
Ringgold football team, community react
According to parents and football players, football operations were also postponed.
"It's not fair to us. Not only the football players but the cheerleaders, the band players, everyone else who is involved in Friday nights," Ringgold senior Ryland Wasak said.
Parents said there is a group chat with the players and a few videos were shared months ago. They argue while the videos may not be the best behavior, it's far from anything that should shut down the season.
"It's nothing more than a bunch of boys fooling around. Nothing criminal," parent Daira Homa said.
Over the phone on Friday, the superintendent told KDKA-TV that he wanted a complete investigation, the head coach is not being fired and the district hoped to finish the season.
On Thursday night, some players and parents protested the school district's decision. The superintendent tried to address some of their concerns.
"As of right now, we can't do anything at all related to football," Ringgold senior Keyshawn Goggins said.
The parents and player said if there is a problem, punish those involved, not the whole team. They claim that is how it has been handled with other school sports.
With a handful of games left this season, they are concerned about losing out on memories and players missing out on college scholarships, including at least one that was supposed to happen on Friday night.
"That's life-changing for somebody tonight just in itself. That offer is not going to be there because that game isn't being played," grandparent Amy Miller said.
According to the WPIAL, it is not investigating.