Severe consequences for football players of the Central Association involved in fight

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Central Unified School District will meet with high school sports officials on Monday after a fight broke out during a football game at Koligian Stadium.

The shocking moment occurred after the third quarter of a Friday night game between the Justin Garza Guardians and the Central High Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies were leading 40-0 when chaos broke out.

The fight sent shockwaves through Koligian Stadium.

“It’s unfortunate when an incident like this overshadows the really good things that happened across this section last week,” said Ryan Tos of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

After the brawl, the referees ended the game before the start of the 4th quarter.

The game was the first time that Justin Garza High School, just a few years old, hosted Central.

Instead of calling it a rivalry, district officials referred to it as a unity game.

Tos said both schools, the district and CIF have reviewed the video of the fight.

“Several students will not be playing soccer this week,” Tos said.

It’s not yet clear how many athletes from each team will be suspended, but Tos says they’ve already identified more than 10. Although this violent incident is still under investigation, Tos says the players will face significant consequences.

“The statewide policy for fighting or violent conduct is basically a 3- to 6-game suspension from the start. That’s what we’re seeing here. If a student simply leaves a bench area or uses foul language or something like that, they’re usually suspended for one game,” Tos said.

He adds that schools must follow CIF guidelines, but a school or district has the right to impose even harsher penalties.

Action News reached out to Central Unified. They were unable to appear on camera, but sent a statement from the superintendent that said, in part:

“I want to assure our community that such behavior is not consistent with the sporting values ​​we represent and we are committed to handling this incident in accordance with our district’s policies.”

Superintendent Davis then thanked the coaches, field staff and administration for their quick intervention and effective response to the fight.

Action News has reached out to Fresno police about the incident. They said they are aware of the fight and are in contact with CIF.

Central Unified released a statement saying the incident did not reflect the school’s athletic values.

In a statement, Central Unified Superintendent Ketti Davis urged the community to “continue to focus on promoting respect, sportsmanship and the values ​​that reflect the best of Central’s students, staff and community.”

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