Indio High School disciplines students involved in football fight

Following an investigation, Indio High School disciplines students involved in the fight with Desert Hot Springs players during the freshman football game.

DHSHS Athletic Director Kai Lyles told KESQ & CBS Local 2 the brawl began when Indio players began assaulting DHS player while they were on the ground.

Coachella Valley Unified School District spokesperson Mary Perry said in a statement that IHS will abide by the discipline recommended by California Interscholastic Federation and bench students involved for their next game, no matter the sport.

This comes after officials reviewed available video of the fight, interviewed with students, staff, & bystanders, and a discussion with DHSHS and CIF officials.

Both schools also agreed not to reschedule the varsity football game. The varsity game was originally canceled as staff felt it was unsafe due to threats from parents. According to Perry, school officials believe that rescheduling the game “would only serve to provide an opportunity for additional aggressiveness putting students from both schools in danger.” The game was the last of the season for both schools.

Read: At least 20 students to be disciplined for Indio-DHS football game fight

The number of students disciplined was not revealed. Last week, Palm Springs Unified School District spokesperson Joan Boiko that an estimated 20-22 students will be disciplined for their roles in the fight.

Back when the fight broke out, an Indio player told KESQ & CBS Local 2 he was struck by a DHSHS coach. Both district spokespersons have said the fight was only among the players, but Lyles said an Indio player did strike a DHS coach during the altercation.

Indio police said no one was detained after the fight.

Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more

More: Today’s Top Stories

First Alert Forecast

More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations

Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2

Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2

We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2

Watch live newscasts

Noticias en español: Telemundo 15