Arizona high school football program’s season canceled amid allegations of sexual misconduct

An Arizona high school football program’s season has been canceled amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Saddle Mountain Unified School District officials said Friday that Tonopah Valley High School will not field varsity or junior varsity football teams this year.

“The reason is straightforward: We do not have enough eligible players to safely field a team,” Superintendent Mike Winters said in a video statement.

Tonopah Valley’s season-opening games had already been canceled when the rest of the season was called off.

“Over the past several days, we worked diligently to determine whether there was a responsible path that would allow the season to continue. We spoke with students, parents, coaches, governing board members and community leaders. We listened to their perspectives, explored every option and exhausted every resource,” Winters said.

According to ABC15, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office took a report about improper sexual contact among players during the school’s football training camp in Williams, but nobody wanted to press charges. The football team’s coach and other faculty members were placed on administrative leave, the Phoenix TV station reported.

Winters said the Williams Police Department is actively investigating the case.

“I ask for our community to avoid speculation, trust the process and allow the appropriate process to move forward,” he said.

Winters said the district is looking into other options for students affected by the cancellation of the football season, including a strength and conditioning program and additional performance opportunities for cheerleaders and band members.

“Our goal is to give them an opportunity to remain active, continue developing their skills and maintain the relationships they have built with their teammates and friends,” he said.

Related

Grand Canyon Education CFO placed on administrative leave amid stock probeNew ASU medical school welcomes inaugural class, combining engineering and medicineOfficials provide new information about Corona del Sol High School voyeurism caseArizona targeted by Justice Department for letting students lacking lawful immigration status pay in-state tuitionGCU plans potential third ABA-accredited law school in Arizona, eyes 2027 openingLinda McMahon presses Gov. Katie Hobbs on education tax credit after three vetoes