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Student sign controversy
Student sign controversy
PORT WASHINGTON -- An investigation is underway involving "unacceptable" posters appearing to show a Nicolet High School basketball recruit displayed during a Port Washington High School vs. Nicolet basketball game Wednesday night, Feb. 13.
FOX6 News was tagged in photos from the incident on Twitter. While some called the signs racist, one member of the community said they were just a game time distraction.
Officials at Nicolet confirmed Johnson was wearing a charcoal facial mask, and the photo was taken from his Instagram account. The Port Washington principal said a parent printed them, and students held them up at Wednesday's game when Johnson went to the free throw line.
Port Washington High School
Eric Burke, principal at Port Washington High School issued this statement to FOX6 News:
Dr. Robert Kobylski, Nicolet superintendent, issued this statement:
Jalen Johnson
Todd Clark, director of communications for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) issued this statement:
At least one community member stood up for the Port Washington students. He was at the game, and said the pictures were intended to distract Johnson -- nothing more.
"Strictly 100 percent to try and get a dominant athlete, get in his head a little bit and try to give us a little bit of an advantage," he said.
One Port Washington student was suspended as the investigation continues.