An Ohio high school made a U-turn on its decision to suspend two football players who displayed flags showing support for law enforcement against the school’s directives at a recent football game. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported the reversal came a day after Little Miami High School initially told the players they couldn’t participate in practices.
In a recently released statement by the school, it was mentioned that the investigation concluded that the display of support for first responders on 9/11 wasn’t politically motivated, but did involve incidents of insubordination. The flag with the blue stripe symbolizes support for the police while the thin red line flag signifies support for firefighters.
Players Jarad Bentley and Brady Williams explained to “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday that the school denied their request to carry the flags onto the field.
“We wanted to display the flags to honor the first responders who bravely faced danger rather than avoiding it 19 years ago. Despite being told ‘no’, we felt strongly about honoring them, so we went ahead,” Williams shared.
“There was a significant reaction,” Williams added, describing the aftermath of their suspension. He remarked that they have received widespread support.
When asked about his motivation for bringing the flags onto the field, Bentley expressed, “If it were my father who perished while trying to rescue those people, I would want someone to honor him in the same manner.”
Reflecting on their actions, Bentley admitted they had breached the rules but emphasized that they did it out of respect for those who perished 19 years ago.
“Therefore, in our view, we believe we made the right choice,” he added.
Williams asserted that carrying the flags onto the field was completely justified and said, “If given the chance, I would do it again.”
He further mentioned his father’s immense influence on him, stating, “My father means everything to me, and I aspire to be like him.”
“I admire his profession,” Williams said. “Since I was young, I have aspired to become a police officer, and now, even more so.”
Superintendent Gregory Power revealed to WKRC-TV that he has been receiving hateful messages via email and voicemail since announcing the players’ suspension.
Bentley also expressed his pride in his father’s profession.
“I want to emulate him,” he added.
