WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah --Granite School District officials announced Thursday that several members of the Granger High football team will be banned from the season.
At least nine football players from the team were allegedly involved in a robbery crime spree that happened in May.
Granite School District officials said they were made aware of the incident about two weeks ago, but Thursday they officially announced they will be following a court order by a juvenile judge regarding the players.
Seven members of the team have been banned from participating in football, along with any other extracurricular activities.
Two other players, who are attending Granger on a special permit from Utah County, can still practice with the team. Granite School District is waiting to hear from a judge in Utah County about their punishment, and will then decide if they will be banned as well.
"Anytime students are involved in criminal activity that's going to be a concern," Ben Horsley with Granite School District said. "Regardless of their participation on the football team, I think that's second tier."
West Valley Police said in May the players drove around the city at night, victimizing teens as young as 13, beating them up and making off with iPods, phones, shoes and hoodies. They said one alleged victim suffered a broken jaw.
Police were tipped off after residents reported seeing the same Ford Explorer in three incidents. When police pulled the vehicle over, they said the teens confessed and admitted they were on their way to commit another robbery.
Some players are facing serious charges, including aggravated robbery. Police said several of the players have pleaded guilty to various robbery charges, and the rest of the teens are awaiting court hearings.
