BETHEL PARK, Pa. — Bethel Park Junior Football
Friday to address claims that a racial slur was overheard during a game against Woodland Hills youth football team after some Woodland Hills players knelt for the national anthem.
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after the game, telling Channel 11 on Tuesday that tensions seemed to begin to rise after some of his players knelt during the playing of the national anthem.
"It seemed like everything started once the national anthem started. Two or three of my players took a knee,” he said. “Once they took a knee, you see cameras and people taking pictures. And out of nowhere you hear, ‘If the little N-word want to take a knee, they shouldn't be able to play."
Burkley said the comment came from the stands. He said his 12- and 13-year-old players then heard it on the field.
"Players told me, they say, ‘Coach, they're calling us the N-word,’” Burkley said.
The coach said tensions escalated from there. He said his players’ parents at one point tried to get food at the concession stand and were turned away.
"They just said, ‘We're not serving you Woodland Hills people. This is for Bethel fans. It's our senior day.’ But with all that going on, it seemed like another attack,” Burkley said.
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Authorities were called to the game, which Woodland Hills won, to keep the peace.
After an investigation into Burkley’s claims, Bethel Park Junior Football said no one could corroborate the accusations.
Below is Bethel Park Junior Football’s full statement, which was posted on Facebook:
“Bethel Park Junior Football has been providing the children of Bethel Park with the opportunity to experience youth football for the past 54 years. BPJF strives to make youth football an educational, motivational, fun outlet that is inclusive of all who are interested in learning about the game of football.“Bethel Park Junior Football would like to address the accusations that have been levied against our organization by Woodland Hills Youth Football. We take this matter very seriously. Our response was delayed due to extensive research, direct interviews, information gathering, and video reviews. BPJF has interviewed players, coaches, parents, stick holders, and fans. Not one individual we spoke with observed, witnessed, or can corroborate Woodland Hills' accusations of racial slurs or discrimination. These interviews also included a conversation with the head referee from the on field officiating crew.“Additionally, we would like to address the issue of concessions. BPJF's concessions are managed through an outside vendor. They were unavailable to provide services that evening. Therefore, no concessions were provided for the general public.“In closing, BPJF has exhausted every avenue with gathering all information possible. Moving forward, we will continue with the mission of Bethel Park Junior Football, which is and always has been, to promote a fun and safe environment for the kids.”
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