Arizona Rep. to File Complaint After High School Players Allegedly Spit On

Chinle High School basketball players were reportedly taunted and called racial slurs after a playoff loss.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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An Arizona state representative said he will file a complaint with the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) after receiving videos showing high school basketball players from Chinle High School being "taunted, called racially abusive names and spit on" following a playoff loss to Coolidge High School.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about sportsmanship, fan behavior, and racial tensions at high school sporting events in Arizona. The representative's decision to file a formal complaint signals the gravity of the situation and the need for the AIA to address such unacceptable conduct.

The details

According to Rep. Myron Tsosie, the Chinle High School players were targeted with racial slurs and spitting after their playoff loss on Friday night. Tsosie said he received multiple videos of the incident from family members and fans, and he plans to submit these as evidence when filing a complaint with the AIA next week.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 21, 2026 after a high school basketball playoff game.
  • Rep. Tsosie said he will file a complaint with the AIA next week.

The players

Rep. Myron Tsosie

An Arizona state representative whose district includes Chinle High School.

Chinle High School

A high school basketball team that was allegedly targeted with racial abuse and spitting after a playoff loss.

Coolidge High School

The opposing team that defeated Chinle High School in the playoff game.

Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA)

The governing body for high school sports in Arizona that Rep. Tsosie plans to file a complaint with.

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What they’re saying

“Our students and fans should not have to endure this kind of behavior and be made to feel unsafe at what is supposed to be a fun, exciting and positive experience.”

— Rep. Myron Tsosie, Arizona State Representative

“This was unacceptable and clearly violates AIA's harassment policy.”

— Rep. Myron Tsosie, Arizona State Representative

What’s next

Rep. Tsosie said he will submit the videos and file a formal complaint with the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) next week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for stronger policies and enforcement around sportsmanship and fan conduct at high school sporting events in Arizona. The representative's decision to escalate the matter to the governing body signals a desire to address these issues and ensure student-athletes feel safe and respected, regardless of the game's outcome.