CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — New protocols were put in place for the latest home basketball game Friday night at Cleveland Heights High School.
These changes came after a large fight with at least 50 people erupted in the school’s parking lot earlier this week following the Cleveland Heights vs. Garfield Heights boys basketball game. Authorities say two police officers were assaulted during the incident and two teens were hurt.
Here is what school officials say were put in place for the Friday night game against Maple Heights:
- Tickets will be limited to family members of Heights High School and Maple Heights High School players/cheerleaders only (three per player/cheerleader).
- The Cleveland Heights Police Department will have an increased presence in the building and on campus.
- Additional police will aid security personnel in monitoring for loitering outside of the building and on campus.
We’re told this information was sent to families and staff Thursday night. Kevin Willingham's grandson plays for the Tigers, and he was there Tuesday night before the brawl broke out.
"After the JV game we left, but I saw the news," Willingham said. "A little disappointed, but it can get better, though."
Body camera video from the fight was released to 3News on Thursday, which you can watch below.
Willingham says his grandson was upset by the incident.
"He was a little sad," Willingham stated. "He was embarrassed, really. He didn't think Heights should have that."
WKYC was not allowed inside the gym for the game Friday night, and some staff members even expressed their frustration with recent coverage. Cleveland Heights Superintendent Liz Kirby released the following statement to 3News earlier this week:
"We appreciate the support of local law enforcement during large-scale events that attract many spectators from across the area. The District is investigating to determine if our students were involved in the incident that occured [sic] in the parking lot after the game last night. We will continue working with our security staff and law enforcement to provide appropriate safety measures at our school events."
Willingham said he agreed with the enhanced security measures for Friday's matchup, which the Tigers lost 72-69 to Maple Heights.
"You can't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch," Willingham added. "This is a good school, good kids go here, but as parents and grandparents, we have to tighten up the belt a little bit."
Editor's note: Video in the player at the top of this story was originally published on Jan. 26, 2023.