Some of the facts are vague. We don't know how many cheerleaders were involved, nor what age or cheerleading level (varsity or junior varsity) they were, but the facts remain the same on what they did and believe me -- it's horrible.
According to the Star-Telegram, sometime last winter during a basketball game, a cheerleader urinated into a cup and then mixed the urine into drinks she bought at a local restaurant. Other cheerleaders then encouraged her to give the sodas to teammates. This is so wrong on so many levels. What happened to squad bonding? Why would cheerleaders sabotage other cheerleaders? Where was the coach or advisor? And how would anyone with any moral integrity see this as funny?
Of course I'm shocked that they would do this, but I'm even more shocked that they would do it to one of their own. These girls were wearing a uniform that represented their school. They had to have practiced and worked with their teammates. There had to have been some sort camaraderie with the rest of the squad. What would possess anyone to think this funny?
And if what they did was not enough, the discipline they received was a joke. The girls will not be allowed to participate in cheerleading events through the end of the school year but they will be allowed to participate next school year. Excuse me, but what was the school board/coach thinking? Would any cheerleader trust these girls? Would you want them on your squad? Do you think when you did a stunt that these girls would have your back? Why would you even consider them to represent your school or the sport of cheerleading?
This sort of thing (and the publicity it receives) is exactly what tarnishes the image of cheerleaders. As supporters of cheerleaders, we need to speak out and proclaim that this behavior is wrong and not the norm. We don't support it; never have and never will! We know that most cheerleaders are good, hard-working, dedicated and very giving athletes. Cheerleaders are proud to wear their school uniforms and realize that they are role models to young men and women. They give to their communities, they support school spirit and for every bad apple you can find, there are hundreds more that are good and deserving of headlines. I challenge each and everyone of you to speak out and defend cheerleading.