A Black high school football player in Illinois was subjected to treatment that resulted in a now-finished investigation by the Moline Police Department.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a teen at Molines High School was captured sitting in a locker room decorated with banana peels. He was reportedly forced to take a seat in the room by fellow team players who threatened to break his knees if he didn’t listen. Video of the incident — which was filmed on Thursday night (April 8) — was shared on social media, eventually getting the attention of the Moline police.
After reviewing the footage, cops awaited the team’s arrival from an away game on Friday (April 9) and interviewed athletes, coaches and staff members upon their return.
They later released a statement regarding details of the incident.
“On the evening of April 9, 2021 the Moline Police Department became aware of a shocking viral video circulating on social media,” Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said in a statement. “The video depicted a disturbing racist scene involving a Moline High School football player in a locker room.”
The high school athletes involved in the incident were described as “individuals of both different and similar races to the victim.” They were also said to be friends — a detail that Gault said was no excuse for the foul treatment.
“Regardless of these facts, we all agree that this is a disgusting way to treat a fellow teammate, a fellow human and most certainly a friend,” he said.
The Moline Police Department’s investigation has been completed and submitted to the state’s attorney for further review.
The Moline-Coal Valley School District is also conducting an investigation into the incident. They ensured that the occurrence “does not represent our core values and has no place in our learning community” and vowed to take “decisive action” after the completion of their probe.