Embarrassed to be a tractor

Note: the principal of Fordson Imad Fadlallah last year canceled Fordson soccer seasons team for un-sportsman type behavior. Also, remember that Fordson won the game fair and square. I have not seen the video tape of the game so I will wait until then to pass judgement.

--by russ on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ,
What happened to the core values we teach the young people in our schools Friday night at the Dearborn High versus Fordson football game? The behavior was appalling. Student behavior included booing in the stands, throwing objects at the marching band, breaking a color guard flag and knocking down a musician and snapping her clarinet. The rivalry has changed into an opportunity to show our community at its worst.
Something has to change.

--by A concerned parent on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ, IF, and thats a big IF, Any members of the Fordson team behaved as stated in your readers comments can be proven, then the students and team members should be reprimanded severely.

--by Fordson 74 on 10/7/07   Lives: Michigan  

I have seen DHS beat Fordson for the last 3 consecutive years and never once saw anything like this!
I have gone to watch FHS play 3 games this year and have seen it MANY times. It shows no class and no expectation of the FHS coaching staff or administrators to maintain one shred of civility or class.

I think the Fordson community should be ashamed for the behavior of FHS fans and players who destroyed what would have otherwise been a wonderful football game and a huge upset. Instead they showed themselves to be a pack of wild animals in victory as well as in defeat.

--by Still shaking my head on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

What do you expect when our kids,out for sports have roll models like many stars in national football, basketball, baseball and hockey. Open your eyes .

--by old jock on 10/7/07   Lives: Michigan  

this is a DHS parent mad because they lost!
oh and the band did not get spit on!

--by DHS!! on 10/7/07   Lives: Michigan  

Mr gibb, I heard that the school security guards at the FHS and DHS football game were armed? Guns at football games. ??? If this is true then it's time to re-think night games.

--by Parent on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Again, I will ask the question no one wants to ask....Where are the Dearborn Arabic community leaders to denounce this kind of horrific behavior by Arabic students and fans? Where is the outrage in the Arabic community at how Dearborn Arabs are being portrayed in the national media? Of course Debbie Schlessel has jumped all over this and is trumpeting the collapse of civility at Fordson and in Dearborn. The abomination that occurred on Friday has already landed itself in the national media.

--by The Question ? on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ, I saw Dearborn dignitaries, politicians, and school board members in attendance and I will be very interested at how they address this disgusting display of behavior by Fordson players and students and their coaching staff who stood back and allowed their players to do this.

--by I was there. on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Ok ,mr. "I was there" Name the Dearborn politicians and school board members in attendance.

--by tell me. on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Here's a question for you. Why is it we never hear from Dr John Burl Artist, when the shamful behaviors some of our students besmirch the reputation of all the the decent law abiding students in our schools. What are we paying this man for ?

--by Docrie on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ --

Let me see if I can shed some light on what happened Friday night. I am a teacher at Fordson and was on the FHS sideline Friday night.

(1) My first suggesion would be, if there is a video, bring it to Fordson and show it to the principal and football coach. Making an allegation on this website without offering any proof is cowardly. Better yet, post the video here and let people judge for themselves. If there was unsportsmanlike conduct, it should be dealt with. I did see the aforementioned "crotch grab," but it was not a player who was doing it, but an individual who stands on the sideline with the team. No doubt he should and will be removed. As far as I could tell, everyone shook hands after the game, but it was somewhat chaotic out there and I certainly may have missed something.
(2) When the band came by, a bottle of red Powerade did find its way on to the track. However, it was one student throwing it from the bleachers to another student so she could get a drink, not at anyone. It hit the FHS student's hands and bounced onto the track. The "thrower" was removed from the stands by me and escorted out. I didn't see any spitting, and I was right there the entire game, except for when I took the now famous "thrower" out to the parking lot. One question, though, for the DHS people -- is it really wise to parade your band in front of the visitors' stands and/or have your team enter the field on the visitors' side? Can't they enter somewhere else? This just seems like good common sense to me. Entering on that side is just asking for trouble.
(3) Isn't it interesting that no one complained about the behavior of FHS fans during the last three years when DHS beat Fordson? My suggestion would be that the supposed FHS alum who wrote the original post is actually DHS parent who is upset that their team lost. I would think a DHS parent would have access to a DHS video production crew's video, wouldn't you?
(4) 99% of all these stories, posted here or elsewhere, are made up. This is what happens in a big rivalry, particularly when it is accompanied by huge upset. Look at Michigan-Michigan State. Every year the allegations fly about fan behavior, insults, etc. How much of that is really true? When people lose, they feel better if they can somehow "bring down" the team that just beat them. That's what these allegations are all about.
(5) To ANYONE who thinks FHS students are really a "pack of animals" (talk about racism here), I would invite you to stop by the school and walk around. Talk to the kids. You'll find a student body just like any other. 99% of the kids are good kids there for the right reason: education. The other 1%, which you have at any school, are not there for the right reasons.
(6) Please keep in mind that this is just a football game, not life or death. Most of the problems with the FHS-DHS rivalry are not brought on by the current students, but by FHS alumni and DHS parents. People who cannot let go of their glory days or are living vicariously through their children. In either case, all of you have problems.
(7) I plan to work at FHS for the rest of my career. Can't imagine working anywhere else, nor would I want to.

--by The Sidelines on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Note, Mr Teller.In response to your phone message. Sure I would like to see any videos of what went on at the game.As for the DPS suppressing the video, I don't think so, as it is the City of Dearborn and the cable company that tape the games . But I will check.

--by russ on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ. I was also at the game. A lot fo people had video cameras . Ask them to let you see the videos.

--by Dad on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Yeah bring the video people. No one spit on the Band members and bottom line it is certain people who are elitist who do not like anyone east of brady. They are perfect on the west end! No one from Fordson said a word when the Dearborn high members stuck there flag in the Fordson field a couple of years ago and ran around. Furthermore maybe you should ask the former football coach at Fordson who is at Dearborn now about all the times the kids are called Camel Jockeys and terrorist and many other things. I also find it funny you mention Debbie who is about as racist as a person can get. She indicted them two kids from Fordson that were buying cell phones in Ohio a few years ago. Last I heard they were innocent and productive members of society. Again I am eager to see the video!

--by East Dearborn on 10/7/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Sounds like a bunch of sour grapes to me. How quickly we forget the DHS team planting their flag at midfield at Fordson after a victory. All I saw was a great high school football game dominated by the team in white, and now the arrogance and the jealousy of the Pioneers want to deflect all the praise and glory from the Fordson kids as usual. 99% of the players and coaches did absolutely nothing wrong, except beat the hell out of the "little darlings". Stop making generalizations about the behavior of all and restrict the issue to the couple who were out of line.

--by John on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I am sorry that you are that enraged that your team lost the football game that you have to come here and trash fordson students. I was at the game and I didn't see any of what you claim to have happened. If you have proof, bring it on!

--by The Tractor on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ, There seems to be a lot of different observations of what went on at the FHS/DHS football game. That is not unusual , as no one person can see all the things going on around them at any given time. What you need to do is ask any person that has a video tape of any bad behavior by players or students from both DHS and FHS , to let you see the videos them make your call.

--by Frank on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I wasn't there. I don't know what happened. I have no opinion on the event. However, in the interest of maturity and professionalism, I would really like to see all these individuals who are posting their comments on this site regarding the Fordson-DHS football game (and frankly any other issue), have enough courage to back up their opinions, statements and/or assertions by writing down their full names. Without your full name, your opinion is worthless.

--by Greg Viscomi, DHS Faculty on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I suppose that was some "non Fordson" people who spray painted FHS everywhere on the DHS field and trashed the facility the night before the game right?

Bottom line is that the Fordson Administration and their minions are, once again, in full tilt damage control mode. For anyone to simply take responsibility for this terrible behavior would be totally contrary to how things are done at FHS and Teneyke.

I don’t know what is worse, unfounded accusations or the fact that I was there, I saw it, and people want to come out here and pretend it didn’t happen just because they didn’t see it!

The reputation of FHS people is rewound throughout the country. The record of failure in your school and heinous activity in the community speaks to the likelihood of this activity at the game being truthful. The terrible behavior of FHS people in the past speaks volumes about how much credibility any of you people defending them have.

--by choke on your reputation on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

John, Your quote," 99% of the players and coaches did absolutely nothing wrong" Now speak to me about the 1%. Come on John talk to me.

--by Allen on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

To: SIDELINES

There may or may not have been spitting on the Marching Band, but a member of the band was jumped on and her clarinet was broken. The band always enters from the opposing players' side of the field with no incident when other schools are there. Let's stop making excuses.

--by Susan Masters, a Band Parent on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

What a joke ...I was at the game as a teacher and as a SPECTATOR ON THE FORDSON side,SOME THINGS I OBSERVED DHS FOOTBALL PLAYERS RUDELY CHANTING ON THE AWAY SIDE BEFORE THE GAME, SUCH SOUR GRAPES FROM YOU west siders. Our fans acted just like you West Siders. But we should class....

--by Teacher at the game on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

There was one individual that was gesturing toward the Dearborn stands from the field. He was quickly grabbed by a coaching staff member and stopped his antics. Where was the DHS coaching staff last year, when the finger pointing and flag planting was going on? Oh, I forgot, the "little darlings" never do anything wrong. If it is wrong for one side, it is wrong for another. The kids at Fordson and I'm sure some at Dearborn have to put up with a lot of crap during these games. I'm just begging people not to make blanket statement about the Fordson team because of one or two stupid moves.

--by John on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Wow, such hyprocracy...DHS fans were rude and obnoxious, I was there in the stands , I saw many DHS fans dazed and confused, the kids also yelled obscenities , everywhere I went, I had to personally escort a DHS kid out of the stands because of some strong odor of...DHS"s fans we lost, stop with the insults and your lies....

--by DHS grad on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Oh My God.... the Arrogance of you lying West Siders, The grass is greener and your side, but it smells of excrement. Get over it, your Kids at DHS lack class , just like your fans.....

--by DHS FAN on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Mr. Viscomi,

The problem with your suggestion of backing what is posted here on Mr. Gibb’s blog with names is that we don’t care to be fire bombed like Councilman Doug Thomas has been. Nor do any of us want to be harassed and stalked like former State Sen. George Hart.

Any video evidence available should be copied, and a copy each, be given to the school board, each Principal and the police department for investigation for any criminal charges that might be necessary.

This could be done anonymously.

Better yet, simply post the videos on youtube or google and merely title it, “Fordson 10-5-07� for ease of searching.

--by Kuffaar on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Russ,
I was at the game. I betrayed my DHS school and sat with my father on the FHS side (He's a tractor). We were standing at the fence right by the river at the end of the bleachers. I saw no spitting or any of this.

I did see a vicious bottle cap from a water come hurling out of the stands with a high rate of velocity and hit near the band as they were passing. It rolled on contact with the ground probably creating a trip hazard. That is the extent of my experience sitting with those "heinous" (

--by Chris K on 10/8/07   Lives: Michigan  

Russ, Regarding Mr Greg Viscomi and his comment about people not signing their names.
Both my kids had Mr Viscomi as their teacher. In my opinion, he is one of the best drama teachers and directors in Michigan.
But like all human beings he can be opinionated and vindictive.
When my kids would tell me about some of his rants in class and what he would do to kids that crossed him.
I would think about writing him a letter of complaint, but never did.. As I too can be vindictive I thought why bother, and told my kids to "get over it"
Greg is a great teacher, but a bit naive about the ways of todays world.
Remember Salman Rushdie? well I do.
Therefore, I saw what I saw at the game Friday and chose not to put my name on my comment.

--by guess who on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

This was a wonderful victory for Fordson, it's just too bad they handled their victory so classless. Some, not all coaches set the tone when they acted as they did, bad examples. I have to question the administration at Fordson for not talking to their kids before hand. I was in the stands and saw the display of behavior. I really think this video should be displayed so they can see what the behavior looked like, then maybe they would claim some responibilty for their unacceptable behavior. I don't care if Fordson wins the State Champion, they still won't know the meaning of "good sportsmanlike conduct".....no integrity.

--by MAS on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

We lack courage and respect...I am embarrassed to be a Parent of a student at Dearborn High.

--by DHS Parent on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I think I'm the only person in my hometown that looks at the kids from all 3 schools as "our kids", so I don't want any nonsense about "sour grapes" which is ridiculous and just an excuse to ignore what happened. The worst behavior I witnessed was by an assistent coach for FHS. He refused to shake hands turned to the DHS crowd with raised arms taunting. The FHS coaches know full well it happened because he was asked to leave the field. From what I understand, the Fordson head coach is a great guy - class act. However, one (or two) of the assistants that he has working for him should be let go. With role models like that, what do we expect from our young men? What a shame that a great game by both teams is tarnished by a few so-called "coaches".

--by I WAS THERE TOO on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I can assure the people of this comment board that these events did happen as the band marched back to the building after performing. I know many of the band kids, have heard their stories. I have also seen bruises one girl had from it, and know the girl whose clarinet was broken. When the tape is viewed, I'm sure that it will confirm the happenings mentioned in the post.

--by DHS Alumni on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I wonder... by stating that the " Dearborn High team should have entered from a different entrance" You knew there would be trouble didn't you? Everyone did that knows the situation. The Fordson team of coaches and students should respect all coaches - past and present. Fordson's head coach should have should have spoken with his team, including assistant coaches, about respecting all members of any football team. The team of Fordson shows no honor or respect.
Shame on Fordson - and let the punishment be done!

--by dearborn, teacher on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Talk to the kids.
Talk to the kids that experienced these events:
the spitting, profanities, throwing objects, physical abuse, everything...
Talk to the kids.

--by a concerned parent. on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

ask the clean up crew how much liquor was found in the DHS student section??!!!
and how much the DHS tailgaters drank in the parking lots and how much they let there kids have!!!

--by DHS!!! on 10/8/07   Lives: Michigan  

Yes, actually, the band was spit on, tackled and verbally abused by fordon fans. Let the record show that an actual member of the band would know better then someone who was not close by.

--by DHS BAND MEMBER on 10/8/07   Lives: Michigan  

Dear Russ:

You can check this out if you want, I called Comcast, who was there to video the game. I asked for a copy of the game footage as I have done for other games (football, hockey and baseball) and guess what they told me......

The Dearborn Public Schools has to screen and edit this footage before it can be televised and it will NOT be avalable for purchase by the public at the request of the DPS.

If everyone was acting so great, why is DPS doing a wash and fold job on the video footage and baring its release to the public?

--by Interesting Tidbit on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

It’s so easy to just explain away how terribly the FHS coaching staff, players and fans acted (some, not all) by saying its sour grapes, but if we look at the postings out here, it’s pretty clear that if 50% of it happened, it’s still horrible that FHS and DPS administration tolerated it and allows it as accepted behavior.

--by tractors are broken on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Look, Everybody knows that all Fordson High players and students are not bad people. We all know that Dearborn High players and students are also not all bad people. BUT We also know that both schools have their share of problem kids. Why cant the leaders of our schools admit this truth and publicly say there was very bad behavior at the FHS and DHS game ?

--by Fordson supporter on 10/8/07   Lives: Michigan  

If you think that the actions of student and fans of both Fordson and Dearborn were bad at the game, You should have seen the chaos in the parking lots.

--by getting out of DPS on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Well Well Well

Contrary to all of our Fordson friends out here who would love to deny that anything happened at that DHS FHS football game, it appears that our Superintendent has seen the video tape and it looks like 90% of the allegations WERE PROVED to have happened and WERE captured on video.

As I write this, the commentary by the board of education unanimously CONDEMNS the behavior of the FHS players and spectators who spat on people, rushed players, band members and furthermore the FHS players who did the disgusting things they did. Some of you people who are out here denying these acts, just FYI, it was clearly on tape, recorded and it DID happen.

The 3 Fordson players who were conclusively identified as committing the horrific tasteless gestures towards the DHS bench were ALL FHS PLAYERS and it occurred while their coaching staff simply stood there and did nothing.

Now beckons the big question: What will Fadlallah do about it? Lets all just wait and see but my money is on a slap on the wrist like all the trouble makers who are “connected� to our fine FHS administrators.

I guess that its not sour grapes, I guess it’s clearly a case of FHS players, coaches and fans simply being out of control.

Trustee Donaldson, you are completely right! It is good to give lip service to these issues but what you need to do is put some substance behind your words or they will be meaningless!

--by The truth is out, FORDSONS BUSTED! on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Funny, Everyone knew what school Artis was talking about, but he never said the word FORDSON.

--by Watcher on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Ok, Fordson supporters, you kept saying "bring on the video " well, we did. Now what do you have to say.? But all things being equal, Fordson has a great team and congratulations on you victory.

--by Dearborn supporter on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I have been a frequent critic of Dr John Burl Artis.
But I must say that, I was impressed last night at the board meeting with his honesty and forthrightness in dealing with the FHS/DHS game problems.

--by russ on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Message from: DMessage from: Message from: David Mustonen, mustond@dearborn.k12.mi.us

I may regret this but I think it needs to be done so you can post this. Hello Russ, I just want to make something perfectly clear. The Dearborn Public Schools has nothing to do with the tape or television production done by Comcast. Yes, we did request a COPY of what ever video tape footage was available. What Comcast provided us was a VHS copy of their Friday night telecast. The District has no say in what is edited in or out of that production and they will air what ever they (Comcast) decide. I want everyone reading this site to be crystal clear, that this district is not censoring any footage from the Comcast production. Also, it needs to be made clear that the video tape from Comcast does not, I repeat, does not show any of the activities, such as spiting, that are being talked about. The tape does show three Fordson players at the end of the game celebrating with their teammates at midfield. They are doing some type of somewhat obscene dance to the camera, not to the fans, the DHS side of the field, or coaches. As Dr. Artis spoke about at the Board meeting, the incidents that occurred on Friday are being investigated and through credible witnesses coming forward, individuals responsible are being identified. Thanks, David

--by David Mustonen on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I have seen an unedited version of the comcast tape of the game, and nowhere on it was there any middle finger, or crotch grabbing by any Fordson players or coaches. In fact, the quarterback, Bazzi, does stick up a digit as one of his lineman picks him up, but it is clearly the number one (index finger) signifying who was the best team that night. There was no flag planting either. The only other thing that appears on the film is the coaching staff from Fordson getting their players lined up for handshakes, and then directing them to the end zone to sing their fight song. Say what you want about the fans from both sides, but on the field, the players and coaches did their job, and played a heckuva game. It's time to shut up and move on. Stop trying to create a controversy where one doesn't exist, and allow these fine student-athletes to play the game in peace with the pride that they richly deserve, no matter which side you're on.

--by John on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

John. Your in denial. Guess we should believe you and not Dr Artist and the total Dearborn Board of Education. John, wake-up John, Hello,John, Are you there John.? John, Get over it.

--by Allen on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Your comment about "DHS Student section" is unfounded. As you should recognize, DHS is the ONLY school WITHOUT proper visitor stands. There were a large number of FHS spectators on the DHS side - in both the stands and the hill..and if you don't admit/realize that - you are sticking your head in the sand. There is NO WAY you can pin that on DHS students or parents. When the school board wakes up from their slumber and treats all 3 of our high schools equally and the home team sits on one side and the visitors on the other..then you can throw your acusations. As far as the verbal fights in the stands during the game..what does the board expect? Fordson fans want to see the game too - and I don't blame them. If this (stands) is NOT fixed by next year, I hold the Board personally responsible for any fighting that may occur on the home side of DHS stands..of course, the Board could care less what DHS parents think; until the next time they need something a milage passed of course!

--by TO "DHS" on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Why should the band have to enter from a different entrance? This is OUR home field, and OUR halftime show. We should NOT have to change the way we do things, because a couple of rowdy students can't handle themselves and behave maturely. That is ridiculous. And yes, a band member DID get tackled, I should know, I witnessed it. I am assuming it was a Fordson student, due to him being decked out in Fordson colors.

I am not condemning the Arabic race, nor am I condemning Fordson students. You CANNOT look at the whole, but rather, the individual. And it is individuals like that guy, who was obviously so pathetic he had to punch a GIRL in the face, that the world is full of problems.

Who cares about who goes to what school, deal out the punishments accordingly and STOP LETTING PRIDE GET INTO THE WAY.

--by DHS Band Member on 10/8/07   Lives: Dearborn  

My daughter sat in the DHS stands with 2 of her friends and observed a DHS student toss a water bottle at a group of FHS girls. When she walked over to the FHS side, someone tossed an empty water bottle at one of her friends. That is the only water bottle tossing she saw the entire night.

So based on her observations, we have perhaps .06% misbehavior on both sides. That leaves 99.94% of the kids that did nothing wrong. I'd say the vast majority of our kids are pretty darn good young people and do not deserve the duragatory labels being applied to them here.

The rivalry between the schools has existed for years. When our students cheer for their own school they are showing pride in their school. Does anyone really believe these students are somehow enemies of each other and filled with hatred? My kids have friends in every high school.

For the record, my daughter did not see any students drinking on the DHS side either.

--by FHSEFHSDHS Parent on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Both my kids go to DHS. My son tells me fights and this type of behavior occur at many events of DHS/FHS. He is a senior and I can't wait until he graduates. Dearborn has become a second rate community. The schools and athletic programs at the three high schools have become second rate. There are way too much politics, especially at DHS. The whole area is in decline. Young, vibrant families are not looking to move into the community because of this. What Dearborn used to be is no longer what it is.

--by Dan on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

It's too bad that we live in a society where we look at our children as those kids at Fordson did this, but our kids at DHS are angels. ITs blatant racism, Arabs have moved into Dearborn and continue to raise the Arab Population, without them you Dearbornites would have a bunch of run down homes, it is also the white flight from Dearborn: I am so appalled by this log of racists comments ....your Dearborn has changed,Stop the attacks on our children ! This sounds more like a war between East side /West side. I feel sorry for the kids at DHS, your parents are not teaching you great values, but hyprocracy.....

--by Racism on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Racism,
You take a very cheap shot at at your home city. You are the Racist. Reads all the comments and realize that many Dearbornites from both east and west pointed out that most students at Fordson and Dearborn are good law abiding students. You are the one generalizing and practicing racism. Pitting Arabs against everyone else. Shame on you. What are you teaching your children ?

--by Dearborn citizen on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Do you people not look at "You Tube"....the Fordson kids clearly admit their wrong doings..posting comments such as...1(f_ck) YA that was the s_it to bad u dident tape us chaseing those dearborn pussys up the hill ......checkit out for yourselves....forget the racism, they are bragging about their own wrong doings, the problem is it's acceptable by the Fordson Administration....they are responsible for those kids!!!!

--by a parent on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I don't know how much is 'acceptable' to the Fordson administration...and I am no cheerleader for them. I saw both Fordson A.D.'s at the game, inside the fence to help keep order. I saw at least a dozen Fordson 'staff' - I presume that included teachers - come inside the fence near the end of the game to help control the crowd. Certain things described in this thread sound like nothing short of assault, if they occurred as described, but it seems to me the Fordson administration was working hard to control their students. Fault them if you will for not doing that well enough, but that is not the same as labelling the actions 'acceptable.'

--by Fordson 72 Grad on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I cannot believe the allegations that FHS players and coaching staff are being accused of. Enough is enough. All it is, is a freaking football game. Last night I watched the tape, and no where on the tape does it show anything of the sort. As a matter of fact, FHS's head coach and his staff were making sure that the football team were under control and that they did shake the hands of the players on DHS. DHS has to except the fact that they lost and stop making the people of FHS look bad. QUIT BEING SORE LOSERS.

--by A fan on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

By the way, lost in this aftermath is that the football game was quite a battle. Fordson dominated, frankly, but Dearborn almost pulled it out. Both teams hit very hard to the very end, which is how football is supposed to be played.

And did anyone else notice the very large, well-staffed and -stocked concession stand on the Fordson side of the field? I am told that volunteer Booster club members burned vacation days to begin setting up that stand at noon Friday. Arrangements were made to bring in the same halal-chicken wrap sandwiches that Fordson sells in their own concessions, and halal hotdogs and pizza were also served. The Booster club said they knew the crowd would not only be large, but hungry. To me, it looked like they did a heck of a job. What did other Fordson people think?

--by Fordson 72 Grad on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

As long as we're discussing systemic problems of administration here, why isn't anyone asking why the Dearborn team comes in and out of the gate on the visitor's side of the field? Isn't there a giant gate on the Dearborn side to exit the field? There is only one reason to do it, and that is for intimidation. When the DHS team came in at halftime, they gathered in the corner of the end zone nearest the visitor's sideline to do their chanting. That is a purposeful intent to instigate problems. It's amazing how before the game and at halftime, the DHS enters and exits the field on the visitor side, but then after the loss, they exited from the gate nearest their sideline. It's a disaster waiting to happen and they promote it.

--by Steve on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I thought it was awesome -- the DHS Booster club did an excellent job all night.

--by Food! on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

The superintendent did say that Fordson won fair and square !!!!

--by MOF on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Did anyone see the fordson kid that hid in the grassy nole??? i think he was throwing spit balls at the dhs marching band! HAHAHA! What is wrong with everyone... this was a high school football game. All i see are comments on how these kids were celebrating after a hard fought victory. They're not professionals...they can dance if they want to. Big deal. Next year, i'm sure dhs will do the same if they win at fordson. You people need a life and move on. By the way... these kids do not hate each other, u wanna bet some of them probably got together and hung out that night? Last year there was a lineman from DHS and FHS that played in the All star game. They both cherished the time they played side by side. Proof...that its war on the field and family off!

--by ShempFHS93 on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I was at the game and the kids acted fine. It was a great game. Fordson has a bit of a macho rep and they come on kind of strong, but all in all the kids acted like good kids and the fans were great. As far as this being a Arab thing of bad conduct, I can tell you that the kids in 67 were even tougher and alot tougher than today and would have been very much more likely to start fights and finish them and bully any percieved disrespect. In 67 the kids were mostly of Italian, Polish, Irish, Armenian, Greek and Arab nationality and they were very hot tempered on the whole and quick to fight. The kids today in Dearborn are very well mannered and to me at this game they appear very sportsmanlike. Give them a chance.

--by FORDSON GRAD 67 on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

This was a very emotional win for Fordson. After Fordsons head coach of many years left them high-and-dry ... Fordson felt betrayed. When they won it really gave them the shot of confidence in the arm that they had been longing for.

--by Later Losers on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Mr Gibb, It appears that partisans from Fordson and Dearborn have all has their say. What remains is that there were some very untoward incidents And a few not all ,Fordson students got out of hand. Fair enough, Dr Artis said that more investigation would be going on and the the three Fordson players that made the inappropriate gestures after the game would be dealt with by the Fordson principal .Fine ,but how can we find out if the punishment fit the crime ?

--by Move on on 10/9/07   Lives: Dearborn  

First of all, if and i say IF this miconduct did take place by Fordson students or players they should be dealt with accordingly. And to accuse the FHS coaching staff to allow this kind of behavior, you are dead wrong. People know each other on both sides of the field. If there was a crotch grab or a finger in the air, it sould as well been to a friend in a joking matter. I see that all the time. know quit your damn crying and take the loss like a man. Whaaaaaa!

--by jake on 10/9/07   Lives: Michigan  

I am wondering if anyone was at the DHS/Fordson basketball game at the end of last season? The EXACT same thing happened. Fordson won the game and rushed the Dearborn side and a brawl occured. A number of Dearborn dads (including Mayor O'Rielly) were literally pulling Fordson parents and students off of the DHS students. Really...see the problem for what it is and FIX it.

--by community member on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Our school is a anomalie. We have kids that families come from wars and poverty. I love my kids as a teacher. Our kids have the biggest hearts , you see it in the hallways ,everyday. FHS has a great principal who cares about the kids , like they are his own. Come see all the wonderful things that have been happening here for years. Our ACT scores are not close to DHS but our kids are English speakers, second.....

--by I love Fordson on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Dear Community Member,

Could you be any less educated about the facts? Actually, the altercation you are talking about happened at the first DHS-FHS basketball game in December, not the one at the end of the season. At the first game, Dearborn's crowd and game management was the problem. The administration had both schools fans exiting out of the same exit at the same time. That is asking for trouble, just like having your band and football team enter and exit from the visitor's side. Brutal game management. During the district game, it was suggested by the Fordson athletic administration that the stands exit in two different places, and even after a buzzer beater game, there was no problem. On the floor after that game, both teams handled themselves with class and dignity. Make sure you have the facts before you speak. Actually, most of the problems at the football game could have been avoided with a little forethought and planning by the DHS administration and athletic department.

--by John on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Just a note to STEVE, who wondered why the Dearborn High team uses the gate on the visitor's side...that has never been a problem with any other team's fans. We hold up one team or another so they don't use the gate at the same time, and Dearborn sometimes uses the main gate after the game to keep distance between the teams, since the nature of the sport can leave hard feelings. Friday night, I was very glad the Dearborn team avoided the Fordson crowd. Some members of that crowd were really looking to vent their anger at their old coach. It was a wise idea to use the other gate under those circumstances.

That being said, if you have any connection to Fordson - and I graduated from there centuries ago - you had to be thrilled at the electricity in the crowd as the Fordson team passed through them on the way to the field before the second half. The feeling was amazing even for me, and I am not currently a Fordson person. I saw former Fordson football players who had or have kids at Dearborn High, standing on the Fordson side of the field. They said they have never stopped rooting for Fordson football.

By the way, the complaints of bad behavior aren't the same as crying over the loss of the game. I haven't seen anyone in this thread whine over the game. I only see comments over non-football behavior. The worst alleged conduct seems to be the incident involving a band member being knocked down. I am sure that is being investigated and appropriate action will be taken. As for the other issues, I think FORDSON GRAD 67 has a point...I don't think the kids have changed all that much. It might be the attitude of the ADULTS has changed, but not the kids.

Congratulations to the Fordson team for a fine game. Not only were they tough and rugged, but their QB threw a sweet pass to his halfback, after scrambling, in the 4th quarter to lead to their clinching touchdown. That pass looked like Peyton Manning threw it, with just the right amount of 'touch' on it.

--by Dearborn High Dad on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

So...because the teams left the building through the same exit, it excuses brutality from parents and students? There have NEVER been two separate exits for teams and there have never been problems. Can't you just admit the mentality of your masses? Of course, blame management and DHS. I'm wondering who else has had a problem with the Dearborn players entering where they do? NOBODY!!

--by Dora on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I will NEVER let my children go to any DPS. I went to DHS and boy have things changed. I live in DBN now and can not wait to get the hell out. There is so much BS going on here its ridiculous. Thank you all for proving my point, the city of DBN sucks!

--by DOES IT MATTER? on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I did not read all the comments, but as a parent of two band members I will tell you what happened to the band. I am not sure about before they marched on the field, but I can tell you they normally form behind the visitors sideline about 3 minutes before halftime. They purposely held them back until less then a minute left before halftime so as not to provoke any bad behavior. Unfortunately both teams called multiple timeouts right at the end of the half.

But after the halftime show, while the band was marching back on the track back to the stands some Fordson students ran into the formation and knocked over several band members including my son. He fortunately was not hurt but his instrument was damaged. He also said that a girl band member near him was knocked over and her instrument destroyed. Also a few members of the color guard (flag girls) were knocked over and flags destroyed. I know my son gave a description of the student that pulled him down as well as others to the police that were there.

I understand how emotions can run high in a game like this. I have not been to any other Fordson game so I cannot say how they act in those games. At the last game at Dearborn between DHS and FHS, I do not remember any such behavior, just the normal taunting that you hear from any rival. I was just horrified by that behavior and any taunting should not lead to any such behavior. I am still very angry about what happened. They students that did assault the marching band should be prosecuted!!!

--by DHS Band Parent on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

These are teenagers, you idiots.

--by Eric Olofson on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Not having been a band member or athlete you are from my alma mater around the same time-I don't remember anyone being tackled by opposing fans!!!I don't remember the band ever being attacked or our fans attacking the other band. If any of the player allegations are true I doubt Jack would have ignored it(or Bowtie and Doherty). I don't remember any parent brawls either but senility well maybe it has arrived. I remember the headless chickens and press boxes being painted but not assault. Instruments are EXPENSIVE has Fadlallah offered to pay especially if they belong to the students and not the school?

--by Gimme a Break Eric on 10/10/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I am sure there were terrible exhibitions of appalling behavior at the game. I am also wise enough to not believe everything on this board. I don't understand, however, why we cannot all agree that there is a serious problem in this community? This very website is an example of it. All the exaggerations, name calling, fabrications, denials, and finger-pointing are in themselves indicative of the problems that face this community, as well as the problems that teachers face each and everyday. As a teacher, I have met some wonderful parents in Dearborn. At the same time I have met many students and parents that, to put it mildly, are difficult. Please remember that with all your complaints about behavior of students, lack of leadership of principals, and anger at the other posters on this board, Dearborn teachers have to deal with ALL of these things on a daily basis. I am certainly not surprised at what is alleged to have happened at the game, I am also not surprised at all the finger-pointing and denials. The fact that I am not at all surprised is, certainly, a sign of a failing comminity.

--by Shrug on 10/11/07   Lives: Michigan  

I was there and it seems to me DHS are sore loosers. The FHS boys had a point to prove and they did!! So get over it!! When we lost last year did FHS cry about anything? No!! Shows who has more class, FHS...does.

--by PROUD FHS on 10/11/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I wasnt at the game so I have no observationabout the events that allegedly occured but I do have an observation about the 77 posts I have readconcerning this game. The more things change the more they remain the same! As a kid who grew up on the East side during the 60's 70's The east side vs the west side is clearly still there as big as life. We always fancied ourselves on the East Side as the less privledged,blue collar,tough as nails and ready to give those from the more privledged West side a good fight if they wanted it,Those same perceptions right or wrong still prevail today even though the ethnic nationalities may have changed. It looks like we residents still dont have a "One Dearborn" view. The West Dearborn versus East Dearborn rivalry lives on!

--by Goldsworth on 10/11/07   Lives: Dearborn  

ok when the band was marching on to the track (like we always do), we did take a few precautions. we stayed farther down the track for longer than usual. when we finally were standing infront of the fordson stands, there were things thrown at us. fordson fans were also spitting on us. after we had done the show, when we were marching off the field, a girl who i am friends with was tackled by a FHS fan. her clarinet was broken. i want to know what kind of jerk would tackle a girl just because she was a dearborn band member. she didnt do one damn thing to you. all i have to say is GROW UP!

--by SOPHOMOR BAND MEMBER on 10/12/07   Lives: Dearborn  

Everyone knows that DHS and FHS games have some "difficulties." Both sides want to prove a point to the other side. This rivalry gives them that excuse. I am in the band and when we marched to the FHS side, yeah they threw stuff at us. We all knew that would happpen. It happens at other games too. But some after the show when we were heading back to our sides, a Fordson student tried to cut through the band and was bumped and pushed around. He go pissed and pushed some kids around and I don't know just snapped. He started yelling at people and then bear hugged a girl in front of me and through her to the ground. He go up and said "I'm gonna take out half the band, I'm gonna take em out." That is what I saw with MY eyes not my mother's sisters freinds neice. The fault lies with both sides not just Fordson (although their presence usually incites more violence then normal). People from both Dearborn and Fordson come to the game just to start fights.

--by Another Sophmore Band Member on 10/12/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I know for a FACT that members of the Fordson stands did brutalize members of the band, I was there, I was tackled, I also saw two members of my section get assaulted for NO reason. The girl next to me was tackled and punched in the face, another 110 pound boy was slammed onto the ground. Both kids had their instruments or uniforms damaged. I was lucky enough to not be hurt or have anything damaged because the same guy also tackled me. Each of those clarinets cost 700 or more dollars, and the uniforms are each 200 dollars.

The young man that attacked us was as I understand and viewed, unprovoked. Unless of course you count some petty cross-town rivalry provocation.

We were booed on the way to the field for doing our job, entertainment. We put on a show that your school hasn't been able to do since at least the early eighties, and it's sad.

This isnt a matter of race, it is only a testament to the declining state of the City of Dearborn.

--by A Senior Band member on 10/14/07   Lives: Dearborn  

I have observed a lack of Team Spirit, and good sportmanship in our schools today. Bad behavior should not be tolerated at any level, or at any one school.

We need strong leadership and mentorships for our children. Parent involvement is at an all time low, and the poor behavior of our teens is not isolated only to our community, As a individual who works in and outside this community, Dearborn is not different than any other city. Placing blame will not solve these problems working together as a community will. When speaking with a parent of a senior yesterday, she did not even know that the athletic team her son was playing on won a division title! How sad is that? and you wonder why our kids lack respect, and social skills? It's so easy to place the blame on the The city of Dearborn, the Dearborn Public Schools. They are not the ones at fault. Parents get a clue, prioritize better, get involved not just when there is a problem, but be there to be part of the solution. Parent Teacher Conferences next week, there will be many parents who will not find the time to attend, and then you wonder why the kids are acting out? By the way, I am not an employee of the City of Dearborn, or the Dearborn Public Schools.

--by parent/community member on 10/21/07   Lives: Dearborn