Pope John Paul II Girls Basketball Players Suspended For Video

ROYERSFORD, PA — Players on the Pope John Paul II High School basketball team, as well as the head coach, were suspended for one game after a video of players singing explicit song lyrics was posted on social media.

The incident occurred on the team bus following a playoff victory over Owen J. Roberts on Thursday, Feb. 7.

The song in question was "Kanga," by 6ix9ine, according to a report by PA Prep Live. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia described the lyrics as "highly offensive and featuring content that runs counter to the moral teaching and ideals of the school community."

Players were suspended for one game. They sat out either the game on Feb. 9, or their next scheduled game, according to Ken Gavin, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese.

With part of the team missing, PJP was beaten soundly in their following playoff game against Spring-Ford on Feb. 9.

Coaches picked which players sat out for which game.

"The actions of the team and the nature of their behavior is deeply concerning and contrary to the expectations and ideals to which PJP students are held," Gavin added. "This disciplinary action holds the team accountable while individual student disciplinary actions may be taken after the school has completed its review and assessed further potential Student Handbook violations."

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