Washington D.C. resident Jamal Speaks, an 18-year-old star player, was told that he could not play as he was about to take to the field in a recent game for Ballou-STAY Opportunity Academy. A D.C. School Principal, Willie Jackson, threatened to sack the head football coach if Speaks took to the field, according to an ABC 7 report.
“I’m being told I can’t play by the principal,” said Speaks. “I don’t know why he telling me I can’t play.”
The game was a big opportunity for the high school senior, but he stayed on the bench. His classmates even delayed the game for 45 minutes, demanding that Speaks be allowed to play with them.
Had Speaks played, a college recruiter from Temple University, who was watching from the stands, would have seen Speak’s performance as the university was likely to offer him a scholarship, provided he maintains a strong academic record.
There are so many things fundamentally wrong with this situation. This isn't just about football and being able to play. This is about society trying to turn it's back on someone already bring marginalized. Godspeed Jamal Speakshttps://t.co/aSpFiqE4RL
— Scott Pioli (@scottpioli51) September 20, 2018
“Lingering residency concerns” prevented Speaks from playing, dropping him from the team, according to According to WUSA 9 News. Unable to find a more permanent home, Speaks was forced to sleep on friends’ couches for most of the school year. The principal was informed of the residency concerns but was not instructed to pull Speaks from the team, a D.C. public school’s spokesperson had told WUSA 9.
“Someone is discriminating against him. It can’t be residency because he’s been enrolled since last school year,” said his family member Nia Young.
“This young man has been through enough,” said Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, who is now helping Speaks find a permanent home. “We need to make sure he graduates and assist him in securing a college scholarship.”