A brawl was captured on cellphone video Tuesday after referees ended a varsity basketball game early at Southampton High School.
The Southampton School District says the melee started when a Wyandanch player was ejected and the team's coaches wouldn't leave the court. The referee called the game early, and that's when people in the gym started fighting.
But Wyandanch school officials say the brawl erupted when members of the Southampton community hurled racial slurs toward Wyandanch players and spectators.
"This is the thing we feel really kindled the fire, you know, there was a lot of N-words being said, and some people just lost their tempers," says Nathan Jackson, a spokesman for the Wyandanch School District.
The video shows punches and garbage cans being thrown during the wild scene. Police were called in to restore calm.
In a letter to parents, Southampton Superintendent Dr. Nicholas Dyno said, "There were no major injuries and all students are in school this morning. Our high school administration and security personnel have reviewed the security footage and other available video. At this time, no disciplinary action has been taken."
Deanna Eleazer, whose 16-year-old son plays on the Southampton team, says the district is downplaying the brawl. She says her cousin's 18-year-old son, a student at Southampton High, suffered a head injury.
Southampton Village Police also told News 12 that multiple people were hurt, and two were taken to the hospital.
Eleazer says the district didn't do enough to protect the players and spectators.
"I just hope that Southampton is going to push the issue and make sure that these people are apprehended and there's consequences for them," she said.
News 12 made several calls to Wyandanch School District for comment but did not hear back.
Police say the fight is under investigation and there may be arrests.