Overview
- Attorneys representing 17 Cardinal Ritter players announced an independent investigation into the post-game pepper-spray incident.
- The confrontation followed the Oct. 3 game in Massillon, where officers entered the field during a handshake scuffle and deployed pepper spray.
- Massillon Police say they issued repeated lawful orders for Cardinal Ritter to leave the field and determined the force used complied with department policy.
- Parents and video observers contend players were backing away when sprayed and that the chemical largely hit the visiting team, with some reporting breathing difficulties.
- Cardinal Ritter leaders say the host school and district have not cooperated with an official inquiry, and officials also said they contacted the Ohio High School Athletic Association.