GREENWOOD, Ind.–Controversy erupted Friday night at a Center Grove High School basketball game as the Trojans took on the Cathedral Fighting Irish. Sources say that during the game between the two schools, Center Grove students openly mocked a Cathedral player, James Franklin, who has suffered from epilepsy since birth.
When the player shot free throws near the student section, one fan allegedly flopped on the floor, as if having a seizure. In another instance, after the epileptic player chased a ball out of bounds, the students allegedly taunted, “Have another seizure! Have another seizure!”
Center Grove High School had this to say in response to the incident:
CGHS is working with Cathedral to move forward after Friday’s game. This situation does not represent our school or community values. CGHS does not condone unsportsmanlike or disparaging behavior. In all situations, we must show respect and consider how our actions impact others.
— Center Grove HS (@CenterGroveHS) December 1, 2018
Here is a statement released by the Indiana High School Athletics Association:
The IHSAA has been in communication with both school administrations regarding the unfortunate student fan incident in the Center Grove vs. Cathedral game. Our school administrators are addressing the matter and will use this as learning experience. #educationbasedathletics
— IHSAA (@IHSAA1) December 1, 2018