Suspension threat looms over Suitland High's football season following post-game incident

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. (7News) — Suitland High School's football team could be forced to spend the rest of the season in the bleachers due to a suspension stemming from a post-game "incident."

According to a Prince George's County Public Schools statement acquired by our news partner WTOP, the school system is investigating an incident that occurred between Suitland players and a Bladensburg High School coach after the two schools played on Sept. 22.

ALSO READ | MCPS, MCPD seek to ensure safety after brawl breaks out following WJHS-BCCHS football game

The school system said in the statement that Suitland's varsity football team's schedule is suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

A video posted to social media shows Suitland players holding up towels with the writing "Mustang Nation" on them following the team's win. "Mustang Nation" is a reference to Bladensburg's mascot. A man, appearing to be a member of the Bladensburg coaching staff, then approaches a Suitland player and tries to take a towel from the player's hand. The video ends shortly after.

An online petition for school officials to allow Suitland to play its season out already has over 2,000 signatures.

Donald Slaughter, a parent of a Suitland high school football wants to know why no repercussions are being taken against Bladensburg.

"This investigation also included Bladensburg High School so why are they still playing and Suitland's season is on hold," Slaughter said. "It's unfair to our boys."

Shawntea Smith, who says her son was holding the towel in the video, said the opposing coach "assaulted" her son and the discipline delivered to Suitland is "disappointing."

School officials have not said if Suitland's scheduled games with be played at a later time or forfeited altogether.