18 HD Woodson High School football players suspended from Turkey Bowl due to fight

WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia Public Schools announced that 18 football players from H.D. Woodson High School would be suspended from playing in the annual Turkey Bowl due to a fight over the weekend.

District officials said a fight broke out between players on H.D. Woodson High School and Eastern Senior High School during their game on Saturday and video of the brawl was posted to social media. Woodson went on to win the game 48-0.

The suspended Woodson football players will not be allowed to play in the Turkey Bowl against Ballou High School, according to officials. The Turkey Bowl is slated to be played at Eastern Senior High School on Thanksgiving Day at 11 a.m.

The players have the right to appeal the suspension, which could allow them to play, officials say. Woodson said it has enough players to go ahead with the football game.

District officials said nine Eastern Senior High School players were also suspended for one game, but it will not take effect until next season.

The school district sent a letter to parents, calling the altercation unsportsmanlike.

"These students were involved in a heated situation," said D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson. "As a former athlete, it happens and students make mistakes and do things they would like to take back. These are good students, they are good student athletes who made a bad mistake, let emotions probably get the best of them, but it's really important to really stress that these are good students. These are good kids."

According to district officials, no criminal charges will be filed.