Jan. 16--Game off.
The parents of the players on the No. 1-ranked Morgan Park boys basketball team announced Friday that they will carry through on their threat to have their sons boycott Saturday's game against No. 3 Simeon.
Instead, the players and their parents will hold a 1 p.m. press conference at Morgan Park to elaborate on the eight factors cited for boycotting the game that were issued in a press release Friday afternoon.
The main reason is that the game is scheduled to be played at Brooks instead of Morgan Park. The Mustangs' home games against Simeon have not been played at the school in recent years because the gym only holds about 250 people.
According to the statement, "The parents came to the drastic decision after meeting amongst themselves and talking with their sons. The decision comes on the day when much of the nation is celebrating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who dedicated his life to standing up for equality on racial, social-economic and educational matters for all human beings."
Among the other reasons for the boycott cited in the statement: Morgan Park's desire for a new gym, CPS' lack of accountability for revenues generated at neutral-site games and money spent by the school and park districts on other projects.
"The Illinois High School Association believes that sports are an extension of the academic experience and the gymnasiums are the coach's classrooms. We the parents are advocating for an adequate classroom to facilitate the learning needs in the areas of physical education, health and the life lessons that come with participating in extracurricular sports for the Morgan Park High School community."
Reached by phone Friday afternoon, Morgan Park principal Carolyn Epps said, "I'm directing all inquiries to the (CPS) department of communications," when asked multiple questions.
Attempts to contact CPS administrators were unsuccessful.
Stuck between his team and his job at the school, Morgan Park coach Nick Irvin said he will show up to Brooks for the scheduled 1 p.m. tip-off.
"I've got to go," Irvin said. "I'm in a tough situation. I'm a Morgan Park employee and I have to respect the job."
Morgan Park and Simeon are two of the most successful basketball programs in the state. They meet twice a year as members of the Public League Red-South. Morgan Park beat Simeon 70-65 on Dec. 11 at Simeon.
Smith said 400 fans were turned away from the last Morgan Park-Simeon game because Simeon's gymnasium had already reached its 1,200-person capacity.
Mike Helfgot is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
