TRENTON, N.J. – An attorney for eight New Jersey high school wrestlers scratched from a state tournament days after a photo surfaced of team members apparently simulating a lynching said the boys only intended to show school spirit.
Scott Wilhelm said in a prepared statement that the boys didn't think what they were doing could be seen as insensitive and they were sorry for offending anyone.
The boys sat at a table while the statement was read, but didn't comment.
The picture posted online showed seven boys in Phillipsburg wrestling attire surrounding a black wrestling dummy wearing a Paulsboro High School T-shirt and hanging from a noose.
It is not clear why eight boys are out of the tournament rather than seven.
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