CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A star student athlete at Ardrey Kell High School was suspended for using a racial slur on social media ahead of a regional playoff game that had already generated a lot of controversy on social media prior to tip-off. 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools released a statement to the media which confirmed the validity of the Snapchat message, which had been circulating on social media. 

It reads: Champions rise to inspire greatness by doing their best, not by bringing others down. A CMS student athlete used a racial slur on Monday, March 4 in a social media post related to the upcoming NCHSAA regional semifinal basketball game between West Charlotte HS and Ardrey Kell HS. Racist behavior and actions are repugnant to educational ideals, contrary to CMS and community values, and will not be tolerated within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.  The student athlete has been suspended indefinitely from athletic participation. CMS also continues to investigate this matter and further disciplinary actions may be taken according to the CMS Student Code of Conduct. The district asks students, families and the community to give the student athletes of West Charlotte HS and Ardrey Kell HS the support and respect they have earned and deserve as they compete for the NCHSAA regional semifinal title tonight. CMS wishes the best of luck to both teams.

 

 

This news comes after West Charlotte students, alumni, and community members sounded off on social media, airing grievances with the fact that the West Charlotte vs. Ardrey Kell playoff game had been moved to Vance High School, despite the fact that West Charlotte is supposed to have home court advantage. 

 

 

 

 

According to social media posts from those who have inquired to school officials, the school district, and NCHSAA, the move was made due to the size of West Charlotte's gym. 
 
 
 
 

District officials said they were concerned worried West Charlotte's gym wasn't big enough.

“You always concerned when you have a lot of people at an event, and I’m more concerned about the people that can't get in, I don't want the frustration to boil over,’ said Dr. Clayton Wilcox, CMS superintendent. 

The parents of Ardrey Kell student who sent the racial slur on Snapchat sent the following statement to media outlets, asking that his name not be included:

Sadly, we were made aware this afternoon that our son sent a private snap that was screen shot and shared.  The content was highly offensive to West Charlotte High School, our community at large and our friends, family, and his own teammates. To the many people that rightfully are hurt by his words today, we are incredibly sorry and offer our sincere apologies. 

As a family we are devastated and so is [redacted]. While we stand by our son, and love him deeply, we do recognize the wrong and hurt caused by careless words. We do not believe his words represent who he is as a person, his overall character and his heart towards others.  Being part of a diverse community is significant to our values as a family, but it is clear from today, that there are more conversations to be had as today’s words don’t reflect the tone of our home nor true heart of our son. [Redacted] is ashamed and deeply sorrowful for his word choice. He has met with his teammates, coaches, and principal and personally apologized. And for the many who [redacted] will never get to speak to regarding today, he is sorry.

There is no excuse for words like this. [Redacted] is firmly aware of that and holds himself accountable for his careless action. We as a family, stand by his suspension, and believe firmly that [redacted], our family, and prayerfully, our entire community will grow from this. 

Despite moving to a location that could accommodate more people, Tuesday night's game was wrapped around Vance High School and reached capacity very early. Many folks had to be turned away. 

 

 

West Charlotte defeated Ardrey Kell, 69-53 and will move on to play Myers Park or R.J. Reynolds.