A group of students in Maryland is facing backlash online after they were filmed allegedly making monkey noises toward a Black player during a varsity softball game.
The students attend Chesapeake High School. During a varsity softball game against Crofton High School, the video’s audio appears to capture students making noises while the opposing pitcher was on the mound.
According to CBS, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) officials described the students’ actions as “inappropriate actions.” It was also reported that the school issued disciplinary measures in response to the incident. As a result, the team forfeited two games due to having an insufficient number of players.
AACPS spokesperson Bob Mosier said the school took immediate action following the incident, though the specific disciplinary measures and the identities of the students involved were not disclosed. He said in a statement, “The situation arose from a recent in-game incident in which student-athletes engaged in inappropriate actions that do not align with our Athletics Department’s goals of respect and sportsmanship. The school acted swiftly and took appropriate action in the wake of the incident.” The situation has drawn significant attention and criticism online.
Reactions Follow Maryland High School Softball Incident
The video sparked a variety of reactions online. Many viewers expressed outrage over the incident in Maryland, with some also showing support for the player involved. One person wrote, “it starts at home. Sending this young lady much [heart emoji] you are beautiful,” Another commented, “I’m so sorry that happened to you. Awful.” A third user added, “I love you niece ! You are BEAUTIFUL never forget that.”
More users expressed outrage over the incident, with some describing it as upsetting. One person wrote, “That’s so horrible ‼! So sad the day and age we live in ‼‼.”
This is the kind of situation that tends to come up again and again, putting the spotlight on how schools respond and what happens next after moments like this.
