Jenni Steele alleges that his son, Cyrus, was bullied, and he couldn’t play his football game because someone stole his shorts.
He was excited about getting field time, but his enthusiasm didn’t last long on game day.
High school athletes are celebrated as role models for their hard work, teamwork, and pride in their schools. However, some athletes used their status as a weapon to bully others.
It’s a painful and unfortunately common scenario when a student athlete, feeling powerful and protected by their jersey, targets another student.
The bullying can take many forms, including cruel taunts, exclusion from social groups, and aggressive posts online.
The abuse of power is damaging, and a bully’s social status can make the victim feel even more alone and less likely to speak up.
A victim might fear that no one will believe them against the word of a popular athlete. If anyone sees bullying, report the behavior to a trusted adult.
Everyone deserves to feel safe at school, no matter who they are.
BHS Football Player Stripped of His Shot and Bullied
A mother’s Facebook post has ignited outrage after she alleged her son, a high school football player, was bullied out of playing in a game because another student stole his shorts.
Jenni Steele took to social media after a distressing incident involving her son, Cyrus, a player for the BHS team.
According to Steele’s emotional post, her family arrived at an away game at West, only to discover they couldn’t find Cyrus on the field.
Later, she looked behind the bleachers and saw him at the top. Someone had stolen his football shorts, and instead of suiting up, he was told to record the game.
It’s to the point cyrus keeps going back and forth with just wanted to quit. I told him when you make a commitment, you stick it out, but im at the point where I understand if he decides to.
Jenni Steele
The missed opportunity was particularly heartbreaking because Cyrus had been eagerly anticipating it.
Steele mentioned that her son was so excited last night, telling her how the coach said, since a bunch of the players were suspended and not playing, he was getting field time.
This incident was the final straw in a pattern of bullying her son has endured.
Steele addressed that other kids have physically bullied Cyrus because he is from a small town, is smaller in size, and has a slight stutter.
Someone, tell me not to put him in the car and leave right to now. I’m fuming!!!!
Jenni Steele
Furthermore, Steele’s post got wide attention, drawing comments of support for Cyrus and calls for the school to address the alleged culture of bullying.
The incident raises serious questions about the safety and inclusivity of student-athletes, as well as the measures in place to protect them.
The bullying needs to come to an end and the only way to do it is for the coaches, teachers, leaders to take drastic action. If the ones who took his shorts wouldn’t come forward then they should have forfeited the game. Stop allowing this behavior to continue. If the parents don’t like it then they should do better too.
Teri Lynn Follick
The school district has not released a public statement regarding the allegations.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jenni Steele was born on February 23, 1989, in Colfax, Illinois, and lives in Bloomington, Illinois.
- She is the daughter of Jessica Alvarado, who raised her alongside her sister, Rin Bee, and stepbrother, Kyle Alexander.
- She attended Ridgeview High School.
