Greater Spokane League addresses Pullman-North Central incident

The Greater Spokane League (GSL), the conference containing teams Pullman, Clarkston and North Central, among others, released a statement Sunday about an incident in a football a game last Thursday between North Central and Pullman.

The game ended with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter due to what was then announced as unsportsmanlike conduct. Statements the following day clarified that the conduct spawned from allegations being leveled against Pullman for player use of “discriminatory language” aimed at the North Central players.

There have been no other details regarding the specific player or players to have allegedly used the language or what words were used, although reports from various media outlets have stated that racial slurs were alleged to have been used. Both schools have since launched independent investigations.

The GSL’s statement on Sunday clarified that the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and the Washington Officials Association are not investigating the incident.

It also clarified that the offcials refereeing the game had misapplied the protocol which ended the game early. The Lewiston Tribune was unable to get clarification as to what that proper protocol was supposed to be at press time.

It was also stated that no coaches, administrators or referees had heard any inappropriate comments coming from the players. No unsportsmanlike conduct or personal foul calls were made during the game.

The GSL also clarified that the game is considered an official contest — with the win awarded to the Greyhounds. The score was 35-7 when the game ended.

The Greater Spokane League stated that it is supporting North Central and Pullman’s independent investigations into the incident.