DESOTO, Texas - DeSoto High School's football team has apologized for its actions prior to a game against a Florida high school last week that many deemed unsportsmanlike.
DeSoto football viral pregame moment
What we know:
DeSoto High School played their first football game of the season on Saturday, August 29, against St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Prior to the game, viral video showed DeSoto players refusing to shake hands with St. Thomas Aquinas players. Several of the players who refused handshakes were team captains.
DeSoto lost the contest 38-14.
DeSoto statements on pregame incident
What they're saying:
In a statement, DeSoto says it has addressed the pregame incident with its players.
"We would like to formally apologize to the St. Thomas Aquinas community, coaching staff, and football team for what occurred. We take full responsibility for the conduct of our players and are committed to ensuring our student-athletes uphold the standards of sportsmanship and character that our program and community expect," the statement read.
Dr. M. T. Tyeskie, the Director of Athletics for DeSoto ISD, said the football team's actions "do not reflect the standard of DeSoto Athletics."
"We expect our student-athletes to carry DeSoto ISD's legacy with sportsmanship and honorable conduct. Plus, we emphasize a higher standard of excellence upon our team captains as their leadership is an example for others to follow," Tyeskie said.
Tyeskie says the matter was addressed internally with DeSoto Athletics.
What's next:
DeSoto will play their next football game on Sept. 4 against Allen High School at Allen Eagles Stadium.
The Source: Information in this story comes from viral video of a DeSoto High School football game and statements from the district.