Two Suspended Kennedy Starters Lost for Season

Two Kennedy High football players who were suspended from school last week for their involvement in an on-campus fight were transferred out of the school Thursday, officially ending their seasons on the eve of the City Section 4-A Division playoffs.

Aaron Lewis, a sophomore receiver, and Ladell Shuler, a senior defensive back, will attend Monroe under the Los Angeles School District’s opportunity transfer program, according to Kennedy football Coach Bob Francola. Their athletic eligibility has been suspended for one calendar year.

If it is deemed they behave properly at Monroe, Francola said, Lewis and Shuler will be allowed to transfer back to Kennedy during the spring semester and regain their athletic eligibility, allowing Lewis to play football next season.

But the Golden Cougars will miss both when they play Crenshaw at Palisades High tonight at 7:30.

“It’s disappointing, but I can understand our principal’s point of view,” Francola said.

“She supports athletics 100%, but won’t tolerate violence on campus.”

Lewis was the team’s leading receiver with 27 catches for 359 yards and five touchdowns. He will be replaced by Laron Scarbrough.

Shuler’s younger brother, Lamar, will start in his place.

The status of injured tailback Antwane Smith, Kennedy’s leading rusher, and strong safety Laron Davis, will be determined today.