Football Coach Resigns After Using “Nazi” as a Signal Against Jewish Players

The Brooklyn High School football team in Ohio was led by Tim McFarland, who resigned from his position on Monday as a result of an incident in which his squad used antisemitic slurs during a game last Friday.

According to a 2011 study by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, the incident happened during a game versus Beachwood High School, which is a Cleveland suburb where over 90% of the population identifies as Jewish.

The decision to use the word “Nazi” as a play call by McFarland’s team was attributed to his pre-planning.

Brooklyn High, however, stopped using the word in the second half of the game after Beachwood threatened to withdraw their players due to its use.

While the harsh language against Beachwood players stopped during the second half, Brooklyn players continued to do so, according to Beachwood Schools Superintendent Robert Hardis.

It’s disturbing that our student-athletes have experienced antisemitic and racist remarks in the past, Hardis said. Every time, we continue to believe it’s the last.

Following McFarland’s departure, Brooklyn Schools’ chief Ted Caleris released a statement in response to the incident.

The school’s apology for the “hurtful and unacceptable language” used during the game was made by him.

Additionally, Caleris reiterated the school’s position that such speech “will not be tolerated.”

Hardis commended Brooklyn High School for responding in a timely manner and expressing proper regret and concern.

The Anti-Defamation League of Ohio has also gotten in touch with Brooklyn High to provide advice and services for the future.

There is currently no information available to the public on any sanctions Brooklyn High may impose on the players who are accused of using the alleged insults during the game.

A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League noted a 36% increase in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. last year, totaling 3,697 events, including harassment, vandalism, and assaults targeting Jewish people and communities.