CLEVELAND, Texas — A viral video on social media shows the moments several Willis High School football players decided to drop sportsmanship and pick up their belts and spank their opponents instead of shaking their hands following last Friday night’s game.
"That’s just shady and there’s no point in doing that. It’s just very childish for them to do that," Melanie Gonzalez told KHOU 11 News.
Making matters worse was the fact that Willis had just beat Cleveland High School 77-0.
"That is ridiculous," Mary Almaguer said.
The video is the latest in a viral trend called the BTA challenge in which athletes use a belt to spank their opponents after a win.
But not everybody is laughing, especially not in Cleveland.
"I just don’t get it. I don’t and I’d be very pissed off if I’m scrolling on my phone, and I see my son getting hit with the belt," Almaguer said.
Cleveland ISD also didn’t find it funny. CISD released this statement:
"The district is aware of a video making the rounds on social media involving the Willis High School varsity football team and their inappropriate actions towards our varsity football team following last Friday night's game. Please know that this situation has been addressed by CISD earlier this week. Superintendent McCanless has personally spoken with the Willis ISD superintendent, and official complaints have been filed with UIL and DEC. CISD does not endorse unsportsmanlike conduct and will continue to take appropriate action moving forward."
As for Willis ISD, it also released a statement:
"We are deeply disappointed by the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by some of our football players following last week's game against Cleveland. This behavior does not reflect the values of our district, and we are committed to ensuring it does not happen again. We have been in communication with the UIL and have submitted our proposed disciplinary actions for review. While we await their decision on any additional sanctions, the athletes involved have already faced consequences. They will be suspended for the first half of tomorrow's game, required to complete community service, and have undergone disciplinary measures during football practice. We do not condone this behavior, and we are actively taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future. We want to express our deepest regrets to the athletes, coaches, parents, and community of Cleveland ISD."
For Almaguer, a mother of a Cleveland High School student, that punishment simply isn’t enough.
"I think more than just half of a game suspension, maybe the rest of the season, some counseling," Almaguer said.