Brett Carlsen/Getty ImagesWednesday's California Interscholastic Federation vacated the Coronado High School basketball championship. This is due to a June 19 match against Orange Glen High School in Escondido, where at least two Coronado players threw tacos at the predominantly Latino team.Coronado was placed on probation for the 2023-24 school season. It will be unable to host any sectional or regional basketball playoff games through 2022-223. CIF announced that the school will be barred from participating in postseason sports until it has completed a sportsmanship workshop as well as game management training.CIF stated that while there are consequences for an act as egregious as throwing tortillas at a predominantly Latino football team, and that sanctions are being imposed on Coronado High School's athletic program, it is important to remember that sanctions do not usually change behavior. "The only way to real change is to develop empathy for the people who are affected by this kind of degrading or demeaning behavior, regardless of intent.All Coronado administrators, athletic directors, and student-athletes are required to attend the workshop.Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune reporter, reported that witnesses witnessed JD Laaperi, Coronado's head basketball coach cursing at an Orange Glen coach after the incident.Laaperi claimed that Laaperi said, "That's why (expletive) you don't speak (expletive)." "Get your children out of here and (expletive).Video footage captured players quickly throwing tortillas.Last week, the Coronado Unified School Board unanimously elected to fire Laaperi. CIF strongly encouraged Coronado and Orange Glen to establish a positive relationship. This suggested a restorative justice approach that could include community service projects.Coronado Unified School district released a statement after CIF's decision. It stated that they are currently reviewing the decision, and would consider a possible appeal. "We also hired an outside investigator to review the incident and will direct any corrective actions. This incident and the CIF decision serve as reminders about the importance of sportsmanship, respect and cooperation towards one another.
