LAND O' LAKES, Fla. — Parents demanded answers after Pasco County Schools abruptly and indefinitely suspended the entire football program Tuesday at Land O' Lakes High School.
Now, the district is working to address some of those concerns as football operations resume at the school.
"Administration at the school level is diligently working with parents to ensure a safe game on Friday," Pasco County Schools shared in an update Thursday morning.
The district had shared in an earlier statement that the entire Land O’ Lakes High School football coaching staff had been temporarily suspended over allegations of a locker room fight. All practices, on-campus conditioning and games were also put on hold "pending a thorough investigation."
District officials later clarified that the fight was between two junior varsity football players and was recorded by some of their teammates.
Still, parents and students questioned why the individuals involved in the incident weren’t the ones being disciplined rather than the entire football program.
Beyond players, the action impacted cheerleaders, people in the marching band and others.
“I do like that they are being held accountable. Because that’s real life and that’s what it’s about,” said Jeremy Clement, whose daughter is in the marching band. “But I don’t think everybody should be punished for one’s mistake.”
Lillianna Diberardinas, a cheerleader in her senior year, agrees. She says there are players, cheerleaders and musicians in the marching band whose scholarships and future plans are riding on the football season.
“I've been on this team for, this is my third year, I've been training for so long,” Diberardinas said. “For all these opportunities to just be taken away? Over something silly.”
By late afternoon Wednesday, the district said it had determined the fight between the JV players was not a hazing incident and the individuals involved would be disciplined.
With that, they said they would also be working to quickly lift the suspension — placing the football season back on schedule.
"We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of our students and take these allegations seriously. We assure parents, students, and the community that we are taking the necessary steps to address the situation," the earlier statement from Pasco Schools read.