Pueblo South volunteer coaches suspended for Cannon Game fight; students face discipline
Two volunteer coaches from South High School have been suspended and student-athletes from both schools face disciplinary actions following a brawl that ended the annual Cannon Game between Pueblo South and East high schools Friday night.
The scrum started in the last minute of the first half after a South player was hit late out of bounds on the South sideline.
After the melee was broken up and peace restored, referees on the field declared the game for Pueblo East, which was leading 23-0, ending the game prematurely. However, Pueblo School District 60 spokesperson Dalton Sprouse clarified Monday in a statement that South was not disqualified from the game as was originally reported.
"Per a continuing evaluation of the incident that occurred shortly before halftime of the 2022 Cannon Game, officials with the Colorado High School Activities Association have ruled that while the East Eagles are the victors, no team was disqualified," Sprouse said. "The game was halted by officials due to safety concerns for participants and workers."
More:Police say rumors of coach assault at Cannon Game unfounded; D60, CHSAA eye next steps
Additionally, Sprouse's statement said D60 has suspended the two coaches from South High School "pending further disciplinary action." The statement did not name specific coaches or players involved, nor did it detail the coaches' actions that led to their suspensions.
After reviewing footage of the incident, Sprouse said CHSAA issued a ruling that "included disciplinary action/game suspensions for student-athletes from both schools."
The school district's evaluation of the situation is ongoing , Sprouse said, and there is a possibility student-athletes from both schools could face suspensions as the district continues to monitor the situation.
No charges have been filed by police, Pueblo Police Department Captain Dustin Taylor told the Chieftain Monday morning.
"With the CHSAA officials accurately noting that the incident is a 'teaching and learning opportunity,' the District commends those coaches and athletes who acted in a responsible manner, working to de-escalate a situation that evolved from a spirited and intense rivalry contest," Sprouse said.
"We are confident in the fact that we will move forward from this unfortunate incident as we work to restore the highest level of sportsmanship and mutual respect that honors the tradition our community has celebrated for more than four decades. "
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This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: 2 Pueblo South volunteer coaches suspended for Cannon Game fight
