AIA to investigate forfeited football game

Football is a rough sport, but Tempe High School says their opponent, Saguaro High School was just playing dirty -- purposely injuring their players.

Take a look at the video of last Friday's game between Tempe and Saguaro where four Tempe Buffaloes were injured.  Three were treated at a local hospital where two were given CT scans and MRIs to check for head trauma.  A third suffered bruised ribs and the fourth received a mild concussion.

"They were very aggressive and they weren't playing fair," said a student.

Tempe High students who attended the game describe what they saw as a form of bullying, not sportsmanship.

"Well, they were pulling helmets, they weren't just playing the right way you're supposed to tackle..they would pull from the helmets and stuff," said another student.

"It was grabbing by their jersey and throwing them on the ground."

Tempe's Principal sent a letter to parents and teachers on Saturday, explaining what took place. The letter also states Saguaro's team received 12 penalties, including 9 personal fouls and 3 unsportsmanship conduct.

The game was stopped before the half because Tempe felt the opposition was trying to hurt its players on purpose.  Students from Saguaro don't agree.

"A lot of my brothers..I used to play football as well..play really hard, maybe just kind of back down a little bit."

"It's all about being into the game, understanding that you have to have good sportsmanship if you lose, just lose."

"I want there to be some sort of cultural change in the way that high school athletics unfold."

Ed Ableser, State Representative for Tempe District 17, calls what happened alarming and supports a full investigation.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association requested game video from both schools and the board will meet on Tuesday to review the footage.

The AIA has also requested Tempe High School to submit a letter explaining the reason why they forfeited the game.