There is every reason for the Urban Think Tank of Buffalo, Bennett High School parents and Buffalo Public Schools board members – among others – to express displeasure, even outrage with high school sports officiating.
The groups came together for a press conference at the Mount Olive Baptist Church last week and, as reported by The Buffalo News’ Clevis Murray, drew a direct line to equity and opportunity for players who deserve a chance to be seen by Division I coaches. The issue is not just about one football game. This is about how Buffalo coaches and student-athletes are unfairly treated, with students missing chances for opportunity and exposure in the process.
The news conference followed controversy involving the Bennett Tigers’ loss to Christian Brothers Academy in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA semifinals Nov. 25 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School.
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During the matchup, concerns were raised regarding officiating. As Murray reported, “with 1:57 remaining in the second quarter, three flags were called against the Tigers, which led to a failed protest attempt and a more than one-hour delay as the teams returned to their locker rooms.”
NYSPHSAA, in charge of Section VI, claims they weren’t invited to the news conference. That is no excuse, and rather than putting out a bland press release stating that officials have been “made aware,” and remain “available,” this group needs to step up. Instead of pretending it needs a formal invitation, NYSPHSAA should dig into this problem.
Ferry District Representative Sharon Belton-Cottman is right to demand accountability. Section VI receives close to $90,000 a year, funds intended to ensure it represents the best interests of these teams.
Buffalo Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Athletics Michael House and Bennett coach Steve McDuffie also had good reason for expressing their displeasure to officials. They felt CBA coaches were being allowed on the field to coach their players without penalty, yet a flag was thrown when the Tigers tried to do the same.
McDuffie, House and assistant coach D’Juan Todd filed a police report with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, claiming that McDuffie was assaulted by a deputy when police were called on the field. The Sheriff’s Office got in the game by refuting the accusation and then asking the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether McDuffie, House and Todd should be charged with filing a false report.
There were additional inequities cited. Cottman points out that officials went to Brothers coach Casey Brown and shook his hand but did not do the same for McDuffie. She also accuses the venue of violating Title IX by not having a locker room available for Bennett cheerleaders, who were told to change in the bathroom.
Cottman wants New York State Attorney General Letitia James and federal education to investigate what she terms “multiple civil rights violations” happening in school sports across the state. It is what might be needed to wake up some officials.
Samuel Radford, president of the District Parent Coordinating Council of Buffalo, indicated that a letter will be sent to the New York State Education Department asking that the Board of Regents monitor the process of officiating at school games. It would be a start – what is needed is a thorough investigation with results released to the public.
Bennett has a history of players with Division I scholarships, including Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. As Bishop Michael Bader of Urban Think Tank warns, the Tigers may be subject to losing out on being exposed to college coaches and professional opportunities.
This controversy is not just about one football game. It is about equity and how it potentially affects Buffalo student-athletes – and others throughout New York – for the rest of their lives.