On Monday, January 23rd, the varsity boys basketball team at City High took on the Fairfield Trojans in a regular season game at the Fairfield basketball arena. The game ended with three ejections, police being called, and City High being escorted from the arena by an Iowa State Patrol Trooper. 

In an email sent out to the students, families, and staff of City High, the Iowa City Community School District said a game official directed a “racially-charged” comment toward the head coach of City High, Brennan Swayzer. 

The Iowa City Athletic Officials Organization has denied the allegations. 

“We have spoken to the officials involved and they categorically deny making any such statements. In fact, it’s completely out of character for all of them, and they are shocked and hurt by the accusation,” said the Iowa City Athletic Officials Organization.

Head coach Brennan Swayzer received a technical foul from the game official in the late third quarter – his first technical foul in 20 years. Shortly after receiving the first technical foul, he was given a second technical foul and was ejected from the game.

“The gym environment felt hostile and there were uncomfortable words said to us by Fairfield players,” said Bond Shymansky, a City High Varsity Boys basketball player. 

In a press release from the Fairfield Community School District, administrators said there were “inaccurate reports” made about the gym environment and police involvement. 

During the final minutes of the game, a City High player shoved a Fairfield player to the ground. Both benches cleared and ended with City High deciding to forfeit and leave early. 

“Due to the unsafe environment within the gym, our coaches decided to remove our student-athletes,” said Principal John Bacon.

The Iowa City Athletic Officials Organization said it supports a full investigation into the matter and backs the officials accused of the racially targeted comment. 

Head coach Brennan Swayzer declined to comment on the incident.  The Iowa High School Athletic Association has also not returned an email on the investigation.