Lincoln High forfeits showdown against Cathedral Catholic for educational reasons

“Racism can no longer be swept under the rug or considered as normal,” said Lincoln High football coach David Dunn, explaining his decision last week to cancel his team’s game against Cathedral Catholic. “What are the consequences? That’s the problem.”

Dunn was referring to an incident that took place before last April’s matchup between the two teams. A Cathedral Catholic player posted an image to social media billing the game as Catholics vs. Convicts III — a reference to the moniker once applied to matchups between Notre Dame and the University of Miami. The school apologized, several players were suspended, and Cathedral’s athletic community was required to take part in a seven-hour similarity training course. And Dunn granted that the Cathedral community had reached out to the Lincoln community. But, he said, “system change includes equal protections and the implementation of a level playing field for our student athletes in game preparation, rule books, officiating, positive community relations with visiting teams, team access and resources, and so much more.” He then expressed hope that by being handed an easy win going into playoffs, Cathedral would be led to reflect — and hopefully act — on his words.