Sign Ignites Controversy After High School Football Game

Emily Valdez

Fox 8 News Reporter

10:27 PM EDT, September 3, 2011

PAINESVILLE, Ohio

Kirtland crushed Painesville Harvey during Friday night's high school football game, but it was what happened after the game that has people talking.

"At the conclusion of the game, some of their students and parents put up a sign that we believe was racial intimidation, ethnic intimidation," said Roderick Coffee, president of the Lake County chapter of the NAACP, who was also at the game.

"For them to put it up there that was bad sportsmanship, too," Painesville Harvey football player, Jerome Becks said.

The big sign read: 'You Mad Bro.'

"I think the reference to 'bro' in the sign definitely has a racial connection to it," said Michael Hanlon, superintendent for Painesville City Schools.

No doubt, the sign offended people.

But some don't believe it was meant to be racist.

"I really don't I think the kids were just trying to say, 'Are you mad?' But you still don't need to put a sign up like that, and there's so many parents that felt the same way I did," Kirtland parent, Edie Cymbal said.

According to the Urban Dictionary, which is basically the online Wikipedia of slang, the phrase 'you mad bro?' means "To make a ragin [sic] person rage even more by asking the most ironic question."

To use an older slang phrase, kicking someone when they are down.

Kirtland High School Principal Lynn Campbell says there will be a thorough investigation.

"Any mal-intent at any game no matter where, is not supported, you know, the lack of sportsmanship, from taunting to insensitivity," Campbell said.

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