PORT WASHINGTON -- The principal of Port Washington High School shared with FOX6 News on Monday, Feb. 18 a hand-written letter the principal said was delivered by hand on Monday to Nicolet High School star athlete Jalen Johnson, after an incident at a basketball game on the evening of Feb. 13.
Port Washington High School Principal Eric Burke said in a statement: "In addition to the school apology issued last week, some of the leaders of our student cheering section felt it was important that they, too, issue an apology."
The letter to Nicolet's Jalen Johnson from the Port Washington students reads as follows:
School leaders launched an investigation after Johnson, a Nicolet recruit, was seen on posters displayed during a Port Washington High School vs. Nicolet basketball game on 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 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 Thursday, Feb. 14:
Dr. Robert Kobylski, Nicolet superintendent, issued this statement Thursday, Feb. 14:
Jalen Johnson
Todd Clark, director of communications for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) issued this statement Thursday, Feb. 14:
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.