Undefeated King High School Forced To Forfeit Detroit Title Game After Semifinal Brawl
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Previously undefeated King High School will sit out a shot at the Detroit Public School League title following an earlier on-field fight with a blown-out opponent.
King will forfeit Friday's Division 1 championship game at Ford Field against Cass Tech. The Public School League says Cass has been declared the winner.
Both teams, which are ranked among the best in the state, will finish the season with 8-1 overall records, 7-1 in league play. Cass lost to King 31-28 in week 5.
The forfeit stems from King's 20-2 semifinal win Oct. 16 against Cody (2-6) in which players from both teams fought after the game. According to reports, security guards needed to use pepper spray to break up the brawl.
Cody's coaches have been suspended indefinitely. Football players from both teams received three-day suspensions.
The forfeit decision was made Monday by Athletic Director Alvin Ward, setting off protests by students and parents who say King's players didn't start the brawl. Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Darnell Earley is expected to review the case Tuesday and decide if the forfeit will stand.
Meantime, Central and Northwestern still will play in the league's Division 2 championship Friday at Ford Field.
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