Doxbury is one of the richest cities in Massachusetts, USA, and among other things it boasts of its high school football team, which has won five regional championships. But the following story has made headlines for the wrong reasons.
Her 2005 coach, Dave Mimron, was fired after allegations that his players gave the moves antisemitic names such as “Auschwitz”, “Rabbi” and “Spinning Top”. The school principals did not disclose the expressions and only stated that they were “terrible and disappointing”.
Dave Maimron with one of his players
Robert Trestan, director of the Anti-Defamation League in the New England area, revealed what the players said and claimed it happened during a game against Plymouth High School in March. The Defamation League works closely with the school, which also hired a private investigator to check the details of the incident.
Trestan said the investigation is needed to test how long the group has been using these expressions, who is responsible for it and why no one has identified it as offensive and problematic language. He further argued that contrary to a comment from a player or fan, the course of the game is determined within the team.
“First, we want to make it clear how serious this is,” the school said. “This is a serious issue in our community, and outside of it. We are aware of the anger around us and we take responsibility. It is clear that the players have shown poor judgment, but the responsibility lies with the adults. It is a systemic failure.”