Samo football players protest against CIF ruling

As varsity football players took the field against Palisades High School Friday night, wide receiver Dymund Richardson ('15) and his twin brother, quarterback De'Jon Richardson ('15), remained on the sideline.

On March 21, California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) denied the brothers' transfer application from Inglewood High School to Samo, revoking their eligibility to play for the team, according to CIF Commissioner of Athletics Rob Wigod. On Thurs. Sept. 11, teammates staged a protest in response to the ruling.

In support of the Richardsons, Samo football players donned white apparel and peacefully protested outside the M-House office Thursday afternoon. Three security guards, and Athletics Administrator Elias Miles, were waiting outside the M-House office when supporters arrived after school. To address the situation, football coach Travis Clark, a team father and the Richardsons met with Miles, while the rest of the protesters waited for a response.

“I hope the CIF overturns their previous ruling and we can get them back on the team,” varsity defensive end Charlie Whitesell ('16) said.

The group remained in Miles' office for approximately one hour, and protesters gradually dispersed from the scene before being called back to football practice at 4:30 p.m. According to protest participant Storm DeBarge ('16), the protest was planned to coincide with the beginning of the football season. For now, the Richardsons cannot play, but according to DeBarge, Miles is assisting the team in scheduling a meeting with the district. The MaxPreps online roster listed neither De'Jon nor Dymund on the team roster for Friday's game.

“We’re here right now to show [the school] that we have power in numbers," varsity defensive tackle Cayden Burns ('15) said. "And we can change anything through will and heart."

Despite the Richardsons' absence, the Vikings were able to defeat Palisades 15-7.