sports

Coolidge Athletics Placed on Probation After Basketball Incident

Coolidge High School's entire athletics department has been placed on a one-year probation by the Arizona Interscholastic Association after allegations of taunting during a boys basketball playoff game.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) has sanctioned Coolidge High School following incidents during a Class 3A boys basketball playoff game. The penalties include a playoff ban for all athletic teams at the school, which Coolidge is currently appealing.

The sanctions came after allegations of taunting during Coolidge's 64-53 quarterfinal victory over Chinle, with video footage prompting the AIA's investigation. If upheld, the sanctions would force forfeiture of Coolidge's upcoming semifinal game against Snowflake and postseason ineligibility for all sports teams for one year. Arizona state legislator Myron Tsosie has commented on the incident, noting concerns expressed by Chinle families and fans.