By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
I went to several high school games during the opening week of the season both as a reporter and as a grandparent. Both games were suspended, ending before regulation time, and that is where the similarities end. A running clock inacted initially because of lightning in the fourth quarter of a game between Stoneman Douglas and McArthur precipitated by a not so lopsided score ended the game when the stadium lights suddenly went out.
The Dillard/Stranahan game’s ending could only be described as tragically disappointing and embarrassing. With approximately 10:00 remaining in the fourth quarter after Dillard had taken a commanding 27-13 lead, a simultaneous cacophony of frightening, guttural screams combined with a mad dash by Dillard students, cheerleaders and fans, giving all the appearance of an active shooter scenario, created an atmosphere of chaos and panic that impacted many in attendance on both sides of the stadium. The threat appeared so serious and surreal that many fans lay prostate under benches, protecting their children and themselves, including yours truly. I glanced down to field and observed players on both teams lying face down on field until coaches gave them the okay signal to get up. In retrospect, no sound of gunfire or any kind of explosion was ever heard and protocol was definitely followed at both Dillard and McArthur regarding each individual being scanned for weapons, firearms or incendiary devices upon entering the stadium. Though in that moment self-preservation became everyone’s primary concern. Sadly, I learned that a similar situation had occurred last year at Dillard.
With the proliferation of gun violence and mass murder becoming the norm in America, including Broward County Schools (Stonemam Douglas) and Fort Lauderdale (Fort Laud./Hollywood International Airport), the very last thing we need is anyone, especially our young children, believing that it is okay to cause panic, create an atmosphere of danger and disrupt a community function like a football game for their own selfish, narcissistic entertainment at the expense of lives tragically and senselessly loss. This kind of insane stupidity cannot and must not be tolerated! Parents must assume responsibility for their children’s behavior and the Dillard administration must act swiftly and decisively in punishing those responsible for creating this detestable, destructive behavior. When students aren’t held accountable for their inappropriate actions and behavior, the educational process or concept – Free Public Education – that has been so instrumental in our progress as a people, if allowed to continue unabated, will eventually signal our demise in this American democracy that we hold so dear. I’ve come to believe that we must turn to God Almighty for answers that only He can provide. However, we can start by finding a church home for our families, allowing the followers of Christ to help us educate our children. The answer isn’t in the streets and all that entails! You know!!! Later that evening we learned that a 16 year old was killed at a high school football game in Choctaw, Oklahoma, and over the weekend a professor was fatally shot on the campus of North Carolina University. Full Circle: The Insanity Must End!
