Mexican drug cartels have threatened a high school football team from Mexico. The potential for violence prompted the team’s opponent in Texas to cancel an upcoming game.
The U.S. high school, near the South Texas city of Corpus Christi, decided Tuesday to call off its home game this week against the team from Monterrey Tech High in Mexico.
The Mexican school also cancelled last week against another Texas high school football game after threats from drug cartels. The Mexican school was told to pay $30,000 to safely cross the border.
“We’re looking out for the safety of our kids and their kids,” said Matt Anastacio, athletic director at Gregory-Portland High School.
Anastacio said school leaders acted out of an abundance of caution.
“Could anything happen? Probably not. But you never know with what’s going on down there,” he said. “Nothing may happen here. But when the kids from Monterrey go back, something may happen to them.”
A spokesman for Monterrey Tech declined comment. The Mexican team has played north of the border for years during its off-season.
