Northridge, Central Game Postponed After Video Raises Tensions

Tuscaloosa AL

27 August, 2021

5:47 PM

Description

Warning: This story contains language that is not suitable for readers of all ages. TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa City Schools said on Friday that officials were made aware of a viral video depicting a Northridge High School student making "disparaging comments" about Central High School and the surrounding community. As a result of the backlash and raised tensions in the community, the decision was made to postpone the game until Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Falcon Field. In a video obtained by Patch, a young man wearing a Northridge High football jersey can be seen yelling into a megaphone at a kind of impromptu pep rally, screaming "they live in the shittiest part of town, shittiest school, the shittiest players, the shittiest teachers." The statement was met with cheers and chants of "F--- Central" by the students. Friday morning, Northridge High Principal J. Tygar Evans released a statement saying the video showed a Northridge High student in a NHS football jersey, before mentioning that the gathering was not a school-sanctioned event. "I am appalled by the content of the student's message," Evans said. "The video does not represent the thoughts of the NHS administration, faculty, staff and collective student body. Actions have been taken by the NHS administration, athletic department and head football coach relative to the incident. This type of behavior will not be tolerated at NHS." Evans went on to mention a personal apology given to Central's principal, faculty, staff, students and football team. "We are one school system and one community and what happened today does not reflect the values of the Tuscaloosa City Schools," said TCS Superintendent Mike Daria following the revelation. "We are committed to modeling both good citizenship and good sportsmanship." TCS says it will take the appropriate actions to ensure a safe learning and playing environment. The school system also said tickets purchased through GoFan will be honored at Saturday's game; however, with additional tickets no longer available for purchase. Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at [email protected]