A Statement from King Philip Superintendent Paul Zinni and Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath

WRENTHAM — King Philip Regional School District Superintendent Paul Zinni and Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath would like to issue the following statement regarding this week’s homecoming varsity football game:

“It has come to our attention that at the Friday night, Oct. 4, varsity football game between King Philip and Mansfield, several King Philip students in the student seating section exhibited poor sportsmanship and behavior that violates local laws and the student handbook, including underage drinking.

Some of the students were acting unruly and chanting vulgarities toward the opponents and their fans. When a KPHS staff member tried to go intervene and speak to a particular student, a group of students shouted obscenities at the staff member. In addition, the staff member was unable to walk up the stands because of overcrowding and people sitting on the bleacher stairs.

Following the game, empty alcohol containers were found where the students had been sitting.

Superintendent Zinni and Chief McGrath would like to notify the community that this type of behavior is not acceptable and can put students and others at risk.

Therefore, at this week’s homecoming game against Attleboro High School, there will be an increased police presence along with additional school staff. They will be monitoring the stands for the illegal consumption of alcohol.

Any student found in possession or under the influence of alcohol may be subject to legal and administrative consequences. Please note, as part of the student handbook, school administrators can breathalyze any student at a school event when they suspect that they may be under the influence of alcohol.

As a safety reminder, the stairs on the bleachers must remain clear at all times. This will also be strictly enforced at Friday’s game to ensure safety, along with seating capacities.

As everyone knows, Warrior pride runs deep throughout the Tri-Town area. Rooting for KP and having fun at the football games is something we all look forward to. But the behavior of the students at last week’s game was unacceptable and unsafe. It is our job to ensure that all KP activities and events are safe and enjoyable for all who attend.”

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