Different Stories Found in Racial Investigation

Separate investigations into allegations made by members of the girls’ basketball team at San Bernardino High that racial epithets were made at them during a playoff game at Moorpark last Saturday night produced conflicting results Tuesday.

Karen Craig, San Bernardino’s principal, said of the approximately 30 written statements she collected from players, coaches and cheerleaders at the game that most indicated they heard or had racial epithets made at them during and after the game. Craig said the statements indicated the remarks came from the crowd, the opposing team and from fans in the parking lot after the game.

“These statements were completed individually and without prior warning, so I doubt much corroboration could’ve taken place,” Craig said. “I can’t believe that many kids would make up such remarks.”

Moorpark Principal John McIntosh said he found no such evidence of racial epithets being made after taking written statements from approximately 35 people at the game, including players, coaches, parents and faculty members.

“I haven’t been able to find one person who said they heard a thing that was racially motivated,” McIntosh said. “I’m satisfied with our investigation.”

Moorpark defeated San Bernardino, 79-61, in the quarterfinals of the Southern Section Division II-A playoffs.

Fourteen of the 16 San Bernardino players are African American.

Craig said the statements she compiled were sent overnight mail to the Southern Section office in Cerritos for further review.

Dean Crowley, Southern Section commissioner, said he expects to review the statements today and compile a list of allegations. He said he will call for a meeting between administrators and coaching staffs from both schools within the next week or two to discuss the matter.

“Our review showed there were a lot of problems at this game, and I think a discussion might help make a lasting impression,” Craig said.

Moorpark Coach Brent Milburn, who is African American, said he was unaware of any racial epithets made during the game.