NOTHING BUT GREEN: Shouting insults at players isn't part of the game -- it's bullying

Mar. 12—In the midst of the roaring crowd at Jim Norick Arena and the excitement of state tournament basketball, I found myself caught in an unnerving incident.

As the Douglass student section's cheers for a specific player echoed around me, I assumed it was a call for a fellow classmate to hit the court. However, I did not see this number anywhere on the Trojette bench.

The truth unraveled as I realized they were targeting an Inola player based on her appearance. My initial confusion turned to anger as I experienced this group of students transition from spirited banter to outright bullying.

The insults hurled at the young lady left a bitter taste. The cheers that initially seemed harmless transformed into a barrage of personal attacks, with insults directed at her physical appearance — a despicable attempt to torment and demean an innocent player.

The derogatory comments went beyond the scope of any reasonable sporting banter, descending into body shaming and cruel name-calling as the students labeled the Inola player as a "biscuit eater" and "fat".

It is disheartening to imagine the emotional toll this verbal abuse might have taken on the young girl, who likely heard the hurtful words because of the proximity of the students to the court.

The fact that such behavior occurred without intervention from those in a position to address it is deeply troubling. The lack of response from the school, the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and other responsible parties allowed a group of students to engage in reprehensible bullying without facing consequences.

The Douglass students involved, whether participating or enabling such behavior, cast a shadow over the commendable performance of their girls basketball team.

The Trojettes were by far the most impressive girls team I saw this season, displaying unmatched athleticism and skill on the way to a 66-40 win over a pretty good Inola squad. They deserved to be ranked higher than No. 16, and they proved that against the Lady Longhorns and the eventual state champion Bethany the following day.

This isn't about sour grapes or team loyalties. Keep in mind that though Inola is one of nine schools I cover for my job, I have no affiliation with the school or its sports teams. Whether they win or lose is none of my concern because I am not a fan — I am there to factually report what happens and nothing else.

This is about accountability. The recent tragic event at Owasso High School in which nonbinary student Nex Benedict died the day after an alleged bullying incident underscores the real-world consequences of bullying. It can't be brushed aside.

Adding another layer to the troubling incident, it is disappointing to note that some Douglass parents and supporters on social media have chosen to deny the allegations against the student section.

Instead of holding the students accountable for their bullying behavior, these individuals are framing them as victims of racism because of complaints sent to the school's principal after game. This distorted perspective not only fails to address the serious issue of bullying but also perpetuates a narrative that deflects responsibility.

A Facebook post I came across acknowledges the chanting of a specific jersey number but seems oblivious to the fact that there isn't a player on the Douglass roster with that number. This leaves no room for misinterpretation — the Douglass student section was chanting for an Inola player.

The motivation behind that is clear, for they seized an opportunity to insult and demean someone they didn't even know while exploiting the context of a sports event to hide their actions under the guise of common sporting jeers.

This further underscores the need for accountability and a collective acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. Denying or downplaying the actions of the student section only perpetuates a culture that tolerates bullying and undermines efforts to create a safe and respectful environment for all participants in high school sports.

Although it is important to acknowledge that Douglass students may have faced unfair criticism in the past due to their race, this incident is not one of those cases. The intention here is not to perpetuate stereotypes or unfairly target any particular group.

There is no personal gain for me in fabricating this story; the objective is to draw attention to a distressing event that unfolded during Thursday's game and address the issue of bullying.

It is essential to approach these discussions with sensitivity and a commitment to fostering a sports culture rooted in respect, regardless of individual backgrounds. It is also imperative that the community — including parents — takes a stand against such behavior.

I am aware that instances of unacceptable behavior are not exclusive to any particular school, for the Douglass boys were on the receiving end during the Class 4A state championship Saturday.

During the game, a Weatherford student displayed inappropriate behavior by giving the middle finger to a Douglass player. This conduct is unacceptable, and appropriate consequences should be administered.

Such actions have no place in high school sports, and they warrant condemnation regardless of the schools involved.

However, my focus on the incident involving Inola stems from my role as the sports editor of the Claremore Progress, where I hold a duty to serve the communities in Rogers County. That includes Inola.

Addressing and shedding light on this incident is part of fulfilling that responsibility and advocating for a sports culture rooted in respect and sportsmanship.

Sports should be a platform for camaraderie, competition and personal growth — not a space for targeted cruelty. The focus should always be on the skills, effort and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes, not their physical attributes.

The hope is that this incident sparks a broader conversation about the responsibility of schools, organizations and communities to foster an environment where all individuals, regardless of appearance, can participate in sports without fear of bullying or discrimination.

To the Inola player who endured these insults, know that there are voices in your corner. The community stands with you against bullies and their unacceptable antics.

And to those students who engaged in body shaming, reflect on the person you want to be. It is never too late to change, reject negative influences and be a force for good.

My challenge extends to Douglass High School and Oklahoma City Public Schools — take decisive steps to prevent such incidents in the future. Leadership is needed to hold these students accountable and ensure a safe, respectful environment.

The ball is in your court, OKCPS and Douglass High School. Don't miss this chance to make a positive impact in these students' lives.