(Official media accounts have been posted at another link.)

COMMENTARY:

In reading the "official media accounts", the story emerging appears to be placing 100% of the blame on a "single unidentified juvenile". That version of events does NOT agree with the testimony provided by Cairo students and parents at the game.

Guess that's why they invented the term "whitewash"...

Am receiving calls this morning from parents and fans who attended last night's boys basketball game in Goreville...the site of this year's Regional Tournament.

Since I did not attend the game, I cannot give a first-hand account. Below is what was relayed to me over the phone this morning...

Reportedly, Cairo players, cheerleaders, and adults were subjected to taunts involving profanity and the N-word. They were subjected to threats and intimidation (allegedly including a Confederate flag and gunshots into the air.) The Cairo bus was followed to the Interstate by "fans" from Goreville, one vehicle getting in front of the Cairo bus to "block" it while another tailgated the bus with bright lights on.

If a fraction of the above is true, the state police need to be called in to investigate a "hate crime".

When the players and fans returned to Cairo, they expected to meet with Superintendent Swopes who had been called during/after the incident. However, attempts to raise him were unsuccessful.

I will report more when I get further details and confirmations.

CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

The IHSA and the media are quick to pounce upon Cairo...eager to punish and publicize our "dirty laundry".