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More parents reach out over Broken Arrow football concerns

Posted at 5:08 PM, Dec 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-17 15:56:32-05

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. -- Broken Arrow families say close to ten players have already dropped high school football this year, and they expect that number to grow.

Multiple parents reached out to 2 Works for You, saying bullying is a widespread problem from coaches to teammates.

"They have come to the realization that they are entitled, as long as they're Broken Arrow varsity players," one mother of a freshman said.

Players we spoke with said coaches and teammates call younger athletes useless and lazy.

"These teenagers are very emotional at this time in their life. And they should be building these kids up. They shouldn't be knocking them down and leaving them down," the student's mother said.

RELATED: Multiple players leave Broken Arrow football team, say bullying coaches are the cause

Some are now playing on other football teams in Green Country, saying issues like coaches dragging them by the face mask caused them to transfer. For other families, leaving the area isn't an option.

"This is our home and this is where we're staying. I grew up here. I grew up in this house," the freshman's mother said.

Of the half dozen families we spoke with, they tell us their largest concern is players who lose their spirit.

"If it gets to the point where your laid back, go-with-the-flow kid is refusing to finish out the year in football, then you know there's something wrong," the student's mother said.

Staff at the high school did not want to go on camera, but said they have only received one complaint this season, which they are currently investigating. The school's director of public relations recommends parents reach out to the school if they're having problems.

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