Timpview High School’s varsity football game against Provo High School scheduled for tomorrow has been officially canceled. The cancellation comes after inappropriate and threatening comments surfaced on social media, leading the Provo City School District administration to make the decision to cancel the game.

Outrage over the post and suspecting that a Timpview student may be behind the account, the district administration initially canceled the JV game and has now officially canceled the varsity game as well.

Rumors of the game being cancelled surfaced this afternoon after the JV football game was canceled just a few hours before kickoff. The cancellation of the varsity game was made official in an email from the district at 9:48 PM.

The comments and threats came from the now deleted instagram account @timpview.barstool. The account posted accusations against Provo’s head football coach, labeling him a pedophile and using inappropriate hashtags and escalated to the level of threats of physical violence.

Timpview High School’s Principal Momi Tu’ua issued the following statement via email late Thursday night:

Dear Provo City School District Community,

Certain events came to my attention this afternoon regarding social media stories that spewed hate and violence toward Provo High School’s coaching staff and their families as well as their players. Unfortunately, they appear to have come from Timpview. As a TBird Community, we DO NOT tolerate these behaviors under any circumstances.

I am deeply sorry, and I apologize to Provo High School’s coaching staff, players, and community at large.

Due to the events this afternoon and the lack of time to investigate and intervene where necessary, I have decided to cancel tomorrow night’s football game. I cannot ensure the safety of our entire community—both physical and emotional safety.

Our bullying, harassment, and hazing policy states that Provo City School District is “committed to provide all students and District employees with a safe and secure learning and working environment. Bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, hazing, and retaliation reduce a student’s ability to achieve…and can affect a student’s or an employee’s health and well-being.”

The Utah High School Activities Association also states that the principal is “ultimately responsible for the conduct of groups associated with the community. It shall be the responsibility of each member school principal to exercise control over all individuals to the extent necessary to ensure safety and fair play for all participation and adherence with these standards.”

I am saddened that some in our Timpview community chose to make others feel unsafe and undermined a rivalry that should be healthy and beneficial in bringing all of us together. I hope we can self-reflect and choose every day to be kind to each other. This is a choice that will never have a negative consequence when we extend it to others and ourselves. If you feel you need to talk to someone, both high schools will have school counselors and social workers available for you. Take good care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Principal Momi Tu’ua

Timpview High School

The decision to cancel both games has sent shockwaves through the school community, as the varsity game was part of one of the most historic rivalries in the state. The district is continuing its investigation into the incident.

This story is ongoing. Please check back for updates.