“Exceptional Sportsmanship. Composure. Praise.”

Those are just a few of the words that MHSAA official Brent Shoemate used to describe the Almont Raiders football team after their 36-8 win over Denby High School on Nov. 23.  In his post-game report, Almont “never retaliated or complained while receiving illegal hits from the opposing team, such as blocks in the back and blindside blocks.” Almont “maintained their composure and “helped the officiating crew maintain as much control as it could in what was a difficult game to manage and officiate.” The game had to be ended early by MHSAA because of Denby’s behavior, one of their players pulled the helmet off of an Almont player who was already on the ground, and kneed him in the head. A move that could have left the player paralyzed for life.

Unfortunately, journalists never bothered to use Shoemate’s statement, even though as a referee he would have been the most fair and reliable source to interview after a game with high emotions. Journalists never even bothered to wait for an investigation to be conducted.

Journalists instead chose to use the statement from the coach of the losing team, which is arguably no different than using your brother’s opinion on “the fairness of Hasbro’s Monopoly” after you just kicked his ass.

Journalists didn’t care to ask about the game Denby had played before Almont’s, where the opposing team witnessed similar behavioral issues. They didn’t care that the Denby coach was seen on video taking the referee’s flag, hiding it, and laughing.

Journalists only salivated over one thing: painting an entire town known for its charitable work and love, as “racist.”  It didn’t matter that there was zero evidence to corroborate the narrative. They put the story out and within hours of the game ending it spread like wild fire. It didn’t matter that an Almont alumni who happens to be black, put out a public statement that Almont schools and community treated him with the utmost compassion, helping him when he needed it.

The damage was done. Irresponsible journalism ignited a firestorm of hate that would show up in reviews on the Almont Schools’ Facebook page. It didn’t matter that hardworking teachers dedicated their entire lives to helping kids learn, or that young people who attended would now be vilified. Some even went as far as to contact the colleges that Almont players were set to attend, tweeting that their scholarships should be revoked. Local families have reportedly been the target of threatening posts across social media, many containing their names and pictures of their children.  

Why did all of this happen?

Because the widely accepted standards of journalism were traded in for politically-motivated, clickbait news.

An apology will never fix the damage done. But to the journalists responsible – you owe it to the town. The community. The school. The kids. 

The time to apologize to Almont is now. 

***Oakland County Sheriff's Office is investigating DENBY for their player allegedly assaulting an Almont band member, they are investigating DENBY for their player allegedly shoving a sheriff's deputy, they are investigating DENBY for their player allegedly spitting on a person NOT from Almont, who allegedly spit back. The Sheriff's Office has NO VIDEO EVIDENCE to back up Denby claims*****

Updating this story to thank the Detroit Free Press for putting out a new story since this petition went out.  The new story was much more fair and Jeff Siedel took the time to gather facts.  It’s very appreciated!