Posted on 05/05/2013 10:24:23 AM PDT by daniel1212
Members of a boys 4 X 100 meter relay high school track team in Texas were left in tears last weekend after the University Interscholastic League of Texas disqualified them from competing in the state championships because the team's anchor runner made a "religious gesture" as he crossed the finish line to win their regional title.
The runner, Derrick Hayes reportedly lifted a finger to the sky in celebration, as he wrapped up the win for Columbus High School. According to his father, K.C. Hayes, he was simply pointing to God. But UIL officials disagreed and slapped the team with an "unsporting conduct" charge, disqualifying them from participating in the state championships.
"It's a sad deal. I think it's a travesty. Those kids work hard," K.C. Hayes told My FOX Houston.
"As a team they reached their goal and in an instant it was just gone, over something we think is a non-issue. I guess someone else thinks it is an issue. He just said dad I was pointing at the heavens," said Hayes of his son's response to the incident.
On Thursday, the UIL defended the decision of its officials while noting that the matter was still being investigated.
"At the Region IV Conference 3A Track & Field regional meet held on Saturday, April 27 at Texas A&M Kingsville, a relay team from Columbus High School was disqualified by local meet officials for an unsporting act at the conclusion of the boys 4 x100 meter relay," UIL said in its statement.
The meet official indicated the athlete crossed the finish line and gestured upward with his arm and finger and behaved disrespectfully toward meet officials, in their opinion."
It continued, "In the judgment of the official, this was a violation of NFHS track & field rule 4-6-1. The regional meet referee concurred with this decision and the student was subsequently disqualified. There is no indication that the decision was made because of any religious expression. This was a judgment call, as are many decisions of meet officials in all activities." The organization further pointed out that it had no rules prohibiting religious expression.
K.C. Hayes, maintained to My FOX Houston that his son meant no ill-will to other competitors in the race and was only giving thanks to the source of his strength.
"It's not a malicious act. It's not a taunting act. It's a 'we did it' and he (my son) knows where the source comes from. I know him. He's not a malicious kid. On the football field he'll hit you and then help you up," said Hayes.
"It's a harsh consequence for what some people may deem a small gesture," said Columbus I.S.D. Superintendent Robert O'Connor. "The rule states no celebratory gestures including raising your arms," he concluded.
Calling the incident "heartbreaking," O'Connor said since the event he has received several nasty e-mails including one that reads, "Dear sir, you, are an idiot."
It saddens me that this could happen in Texas. Where can the sane people go?
‘nor prohibiting the free-exercise......’ ~ I think the kid ultimately wins ~
something smells in Texas and it ain’t bovine of nature
The relay team was disqualified because the “adults” in charge overreacted and have become aggressors in the war on Christianity.
And, the UIL, like public school administrators, will hide behind their blanket “zero tolerance” policies.
Zero tolerance policy means “I don’t have to think” because I’m paid NOT to!!
The coaches, when this crap happens should grab a bullhorn and tell the crowd “You know who won” and then walk away. I’d be damned if my job made me play along with a PC lie. The school could have it.
I have a gesture in mind that is non-religous.
If pointing a finger to the sky is excessive, then what would be a form of acceptable celebration, is smiling forbidden?
“Zero tolerance policy means “I don’t have to think” because I’m paid NOT to!!”
BINGO
Doing a ‘We’re number one’ gesture is the epitome of taunting. To do it and then try to hide behind Jesus....
Texas is being inundated by blue staters who bring their libtard ideas with them. Texas isn't what is was just 10 years ago. Perry traipsing around the country giving tax dollar paid incentives to companies to move to Texas is just one in a long list of reasons he'll never get my vote again.
If they won, it’s fact. So why is pointing out reality wrong again?
Same for AZ and Nevada. I came here in 95. It’s a far different area than it was. Californicated.
Are these officials mentally retarded?
Gee, I didn't know that!
The most common transgressors belong to the protected group most often, and most easily offended (tied with the koranimals.)
There are rules against taunting. Being a Christian (or claiming to be one) doesn’t put you above the rules. Jesus had something to say on that subject, even if one is a dipsy and ignores the moral law of the Old Testament.
They learned a valuable lesson that day - actions have consequences, and playing the ‘victim’ card doesn’t always work.
There are rules against taunting... Well, no, there’s rules against any celebration in the competition area as that is viewed as taunting. Oh boo hoo hoo, more of the war against boys than anything else. How dare children actually celebrate a victory, when the adults want everyone to celebrate participation. Singular or team excellence is a dirty thing that must be hidden.
But yes, this had nothing to do with banning a Christian symbol, practice or action. It was a form of celebration that was forbidden by brain dead rules that seeks to raise the mediocre to equality.
Which finger?
One finger pointed up in the air = number 1. Can’t make more out of it then that.
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