Atlanta

Softball teams banned from playoffs for chaotic fight at Atlanta high school game

ATLANTA — Two high school softball teams are paying the price for a large fight that broke out after a game.

Atlanta Public Schools have banned the teams from South Atlanta High School and Washington High School from the state playoffs. First round regional games are scheduled to start Tuesday.

The large fight took place last Wednesday at South Atlanta High. Several players and adults were involved in the fight after the game, and an adult who allegedly fired a gunshot into the air was arrested.

Cellphone video of the incident was obtained by Channel 2 Action News, and it shows dozens of people running as punches were thrown.

It also shows a lone police officer attempting to break up the fight.

"APS let us down. There was nobody there to help these girls," a mother said.

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A mother of a Washington High School senior spoke out at an APS school board meeting Monday. She claims her daughter and teammates were beaten by the South Atlanta team and others who rushed the field.

She said she believes her daughter's team should be able to able in the playoffs.

"The game being taken from them…made it to regional championship. A game they can't play no more because of a fight," she said.

APS officials released a statement on the postseason ban:

"This decision to have both teams forgo the postseason was a difficult one. However, all students, student athletes and parents representing APS are required to adhere to a code of conduct that calls for respect and appropriate behavior."

But another parent says the whole team shouldn't be punished.

"They was only protecting themselves. What was they supposed to do?"

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution contributed to this report.

Cox Media Group

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