WPIAL investigating claims of racist comments from players during Steel Valley, South Side game

PITTSBURGH — WPIAL officials said they are looking into claims of racist comments made by players during Friday night’s high school football game between Steel Valley and South Side Area.

Shawntay Parms is the mother of Steel Valley running back Nijhay Burt. She says players from her son’s team were called the N-word and “monkeys” by their opponents. Parms said her son’s senior season is over after an ankle injury.

“I wouldn’t have said that they were intensely tracking, trying to hurt him.... after they injured my son, they cheered overtop of him. They cheered,” Parms said.

She said South Side had a number of personal fouls called on them during the game.

WPIAL executive director Amy Scheuneman sent Channel 11 a statement:

“After a report from the Steel Valley Administration we have asked for reports from South Side Area as well as game officials to review possible inappropriate comments and/or actions that may have occurred. Once reports are received we will determine the appropriate course of action.”

Steel Valley School District Superintendent Edward Wehrer had this to say:

“Steel Valley and South Side played a hard-fought game on Friday night. Unfortunately, after the game concluded, Steel Valley administration received reports of racial bigotry and unsportsmanlike play directed against our players throughout the game. After investigating the allegations Monday morning, Steel Valley administration filed a report with the WPIAL.

“I want to state emphatically that racism has no place in interscholastic athletics, nor should it be tolerated in any part of our society. We are extremely proud of our diversity and our heritage at Steel Valley, and Friday night did nothing to change that. #IronmenPride”

The South Side Area School District released the following statement:

“The South Side Area School District has received information regarding matters arising at the Steel Valley/South Side playoff game Friday November 12, 2021. The District is also aware of matters which occurred at the game.

“The School District takes these issues very seriously and has begun an independent investigation of all aspects of the game. The District will review the findings of the investigation which will be done by CSI Corporate Security and Investigations and will take appropriate action based upon those findings.”

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