News Summary
The football team of Abraham Lincoln High School has been suspended for the remainder of the fall season due to a postgame brawl following their victory against Northeast High School. Parents argue that their players were not at fault for the incident, which escalated when Northeast fans blocked Lincoln’s exit. Assistant Coach Tim DiGiorgio defended the players, stating they only sought to assist staff. The School District of Philadelphia plans to review evidence presented by Lincoln supporters. Meanwhile, discussions on enhancing game security are ongoing as police investigate the altercation.
Philadelphia – The football team of Abraham Lincoln High School has faced a suspension for the remainder of the 2025 fall season following a postgame brawl that occurred after their victory against Northeast High School on October 4, 2025. The School District of Philadelphia has announced a three-game suspension for the team due to poor sportsmanship linked to the incident.
The disturbance unfolded outside the Northeast Supersite field immediately after the game, when Lincoln’s players were allegedly blocked from exiting by Northeast High School fans, leading to a confrontation. Parents and supporters of Lincoln High School argue that their team should not be penalized for the actions of the opposing fans and parents, emphasizing that the players did not initiate the altercation.
Assistant coach Tim DiGiorgio defended the Lincoln players, stating they remained on the sidelines and were simply attempting to assist a staff member before exiting the premises. Eyewitness accounts from parents indicate that tensions escalated when Northeast fans obstructed the Lincoln team’s path. Video evidence purportedly shown to district officials reportedly depicts Northeast fans in confrontation with Lincoln players, culminating in a fight during which a Lincoln staff member was struck by a Stanley mug, requiring eight stitches.
In response to the suspension, more than two dozen parents, players, and coaches from Lincoln High School convened with district officials to present their case and provide further information regarding the incident. The associate superintendent for secondary schools, Tomás Hanna, stated that the district plans to review these new findings and may consider modifying the suspension handed down to the team.
While discussions regarding the incident continue, considerations for future games include potential measures to enhance security, such as the removal of spectators to maintain order and safety. The implications extend beyond the current season, with senior player Brandon Alexander expressing how vital it is for his team to return to the field to capitalize on his opportunity for college recruitment.
Simultaneously, the Philadelphia police are conducting an investigation into the fight, examining video footage to identify individuals involved in the altercation. As of now, there have been no announcements regarding penalties for Northeast High School or any arrests made in connection to the incident.
District officials reaffirm their commitment to promoting sportsmanship, ensuring safety, and maintaining appropriate behavior during school sporting events. As the situation develops, the focus remains not only on the actions taken against Lincoln High School’s football team, but also on finding effective strategies to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Philadelphia
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- ABC 6 Action News
- Google Search: Philadelphia High School Football Suspension
- CBS News Philadelphia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- USA Today High School Sports
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