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High school lacrosse player reportedly drew swastika on his leg during game

Generic lacrosse sticks.
A high school lacrosse student was accused of drawing a swastika on their leg. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A high school in Ohio is looking into allegations one of its students drew a swastika on their leg during a lacrosse game. A player on the Lake Catholic High School lacrosse team reportedly drew a swastika on their leg during Monday's game against Orange High School, according to Cleveland.com.

An image of the swastika was captured by student photographer Rachel Glazer. In the image, a swastika appears to be drawn on the player's right calf. Glazer said she tried to get more pictures of the swastika, but that Lake Catholic players may have brushed it off the player's leg in the third quarter.

Orange superintendent Dr. Lynn Campbell sent a letter to parents and community members saying Lake Catholic is investigating the situation. Campbell's note was obtained by Cleveland.com on Tuesday.

The note claims that "a visitor" at the game also used racist slurs toward Orange's team. Campbell said she spoke with the president of Lake Catholic, who was "very apologetic."

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of an incident that occurred last night on campus during the men’s lacrosse game against Mentor Lake Catholic High School. Our players reported seeing a swastika painted on the leg of a Lake Catholic player, and subsequently, alumni and parents reported that a visitor was using racist slurs toward our team.

I have spoken to the President of Lake Catholic who shared that he and the Diocese are aware of the magnitude of this situation. He confirmed that they are addressing the incidents, and he is very apologetic and obviously, does not approve of these behaviors. It is important to note that student discipline is confidential, so it is likely that we will not be made aware of this player’s consequences.

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland also issued a statement, saying it condemns anti-Semitism in all forms. It confirmed an investigation was taking place and apologized to Orange High School.

Lake Catholic High School was involved in a similar incident in 2018, when a video of a student using racist language while referring to an opposing basketball team went viral.