Chaminade Football Team Got Off Lucky

One thing I have learned, and not just because I had one back in grade school, but it's true - all black eyes do heal.

Even the one at Toronto's Chaminade College, caused because two students (both football players) went beyond childish activities and put excrement - not sure if it was human, animal or alien - in a microwave as a prank.

A very good school, impressive football program and great work by volunteer coaches and players to build a team. All that, set back because of immaturity.

Let's see, the school Principal, the head football,coach, the Director of Education and likely others have had a say in dealing with the matter. The school Trustee, Sal Piccinnini, still hasn't returned my call. Hopefully, also parents and players have learned a few things.

Kind of interesting that some people, including Chaminade parents, are upset at me and the Star for writing about this episode, which occurred while the team was in Michigan for an exhibition game. Hmm, guess we're at fault for reporting the truth?

Few things worth mentioning. According to Toronto police, putting crap in a microwave at a hotel is defined as a mischievous thing and a Criminal offence - in Canada. People can be charged in this country for damage to property too. Too many, it also says something about what goes on in the mind of some young people.

And the football team, whose administration chose to forfeit a league game as a penalty for what happened, doesn't really lose much - other than some embarrassment. The team is still in contention for a playoff spot. The players are still on the team, unless they were removed and the school has chosen to keep that to themselves.

Furthermore, since Chaminade plays in the Toronto District Secondary Schools Athletic Association, it also plays by rules and regulations governed by that organization - and that's where they're lucky. Football convenor Brian Gaw tells me there are no further disciplinary sanctions. If it was in the Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association, where Chaminade plays - other than football - then consequences would have been more severe. League rep Brian Riddell said any team that forfeits a TDCAA game results in an automatic dismissal from playoffs.

How's that for a penalty?

Comments

[Big John]

Still can't believe those two students weren't told to hand in their football equipment.

[B. Harrison]

Two kids, likely well known now throughout the school and on FACEBOOK, create a kerfuffle for the rest. Here's my question: what about the bystanders who knew this was happening and did nothing?

[JL]

Three cheers for the Toronto Catholic Board of Education and how they handled this one.

[Jeremy]

I am sure these kids did more crapping in their pants than what was in that microwave. A lesson in life. You bet they've learned.

[Jimmy]

Amazing how they bury things like this as if nothing happened.

[Sam]

No further need for exiling these scoundrels. They're plenty scared. I agree with the decision taken by the school, even though it does look chinsy forfeiting a meaningless game.

[Matthew]

The entire team has to take responsibility for this mess.

[Peel Fan]

I have a big serving of crow, available free of charge for all the posters who thought I didn't know what I was writing about when I first mentioned criminal mischief in the previous thread about this story.

[Blair Emmerson]

Every high school team should have this example given to players before their first practice and shoved down their throats as what you do to destroy a good team and the image of the school because of some loose firecrackers.

[D.Bryant]

Can someone explain what the message is in this ridiculous situation. There are two from what I read. First is it's OK to cause damage and problems and get a spanking. The other is get hit with disciplinary action that includes a suspension from school and no longer being a member of a team where you earn the right to play. I take it the two kids are very good players and the school is determined to bow to them.

[ty]

Don't listen to em Dave. You're one of the only media people in the city who cares about high school football and you're doing a great job reporting it. Please, keep it up.

[Chaminade Parent]

My son plays for Chaminade and is very upset that he and others who were unaware of what had happened have to take the fall for the actions of a few.
Very disappointing that there are no penalties for offenders only.

[Shelby]

Criminals is too harsh for thse kids. Try delinquents. As bad as they were, the school administration is treating this like a farse. Deal with the perpetrators but also send a public message that you won't tolerate this behaviour. People are laughing - but now at the people running the school.

[Mr. H.]

Good job Grossman.
People might not like it but it has to be told and brought out in the open.
I told my players one year that if they go away with me on a school trip and embarrass the school, themselves and me then it'll be the last time they play on my school team. They got the message.

[Parent]

The entire situation at Chaminade is a disgrace and was handled in a bad way. It's a real shame that so many people worked very hard and they're getting spanked as if they're all the culprits. If that's not the case, then the Principal needs to be more vocal and send a letter to all parents in the school coming clean on everything or do our tax dollars go for them to sit in an office and periodically come out for air.

[School teacher and coach]

I am certain that this entire episode has opened many eyes at schools and various school boards as well as athletic associations. From what I hear, I get the feeling that teachers, coaches and students now know more than ever that they are under the spotlight and people will snitch when something out of the ordinary happens. Someone will speak out and then its in the newspapers and talked about around the country. Lots of people have been educated by this unfortunate situation at Chaminade. I hope the lesson has sunk in.