High school’s entire football season canceled amid developing criminal investigation

TONOPAH, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — An Arizona school district has canceled a high school’s entire football season amid a developing criminal investigation.

On Friday, Saddle Mountain Unified School District Superintendent Michael Winters announced that Tonopah Valley High School would not be playing any football games, varsity or junior varsity, for the remainder of the season.

The school district had previously announced the investigation and the cancellation of this week’s games.

“I know how disappointing this news will be, particularly for the students who have continued to show up, work hard, and express their desire to play,” Winters said in a video message. “This is not the outcome any of us wanted, and it was not a decision we reached quickly or easily.”

Winters said the decision was made after careful consideration, and the reason was straightforward: the school doesn’t have enough eligible players.

Eligibility became a question because of the recently launched investigation into allegations that sexual misconduct involving students occurred in July during a football camp in Williams.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, detectives have been working with the Williams Police Department, calling the circumstances surrounding the allegations “complex.”

Authorities had noted that investigators were looking into reports of “dry humping” at the camp and on Friday added that other details could not be released without potentially compromising the investigation and privacy of those involved.

“MCSO and the Williams Police Department take allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and remain committed to conducting a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Several high school faculty members have also been placed on administrative leave as part of the district’s investigation.

“Because it (the case) is active, we are not able to speak about it, and we will not be talking about this issue further until the investigation is complete,” Winters said.

The superintendent added that the district is exploring other opportunities for the affected student-athletes, including workout programs, along with other opportunities for cheerleaders and band members.