Will Avon Football Suspensions Mar Opening Day Rivalry?

What has become quickly become a classic football rivalry, Avon Eagles vs. Avon Lake Shoremen, might be less of a contest this year with 10 of the Eagles players suspended.

School officials close to the situation won’t comment on the reason for the suspensions, but that hasn’t stopped news outlets from reporting possible causes.

“I really can’t comment on this,” new Michael Laub said. “I’ll only say it’s important to remember that even though (some of the players) are 17 and 18 years old, they’re still kids.”

The Avon football program issued two-game suspensions for the players last weekend.

The Chronicle-Telegram said Laub would not comment on whether the suspension were related to an Aug. 11 party on Evergreen Drive in Avon, involving students from Avon, Amherst, North Olmsted and Lorain.

No charges resulted from the party and none of the suspended students have been publicly named.

“The kids were very honest and forthright, and no one appeared to be intoxicated,” (Avon Police Chief) Richard Bosley told the Chronicle.  “Everyone was more than cooperative with officers at the time.”

Fox 8 news is saying underage drinking was the reason for the suspensions.

Laub told the station the players at the party were suspended for the first two games of the season.

“Our athletic or other co-curricular activities, they’re extensions of the classroom and every experience for our students are learning experiences,” Laub told Fox 8. “And we need to stay true to what we’ve said is important and we’re going to do that.”             

Laub later said the comments he made to the station were accurate.

Avon stunned Avon Lake at the 2011-12 season opener in a 38-7 win.

The game kicks off tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.