PLAINFIELD -- A criminal investigation into a possibly inappropriate video started as a result of an incident earlier in the week that involved players on the high school football team, Plainfield Police said on Thursday.
Authorities said they are investigating a video that "may be inappropriate depending on the age and knowledge of those persons involved."
Students tell FOX 61 that the recording is rumored to be a sex tape.
“There are rumors going around that there are things like that going around school not involving the football team,” said sophomore Zachary Gifford who heard the video was “explicit.”
The superintendent confirmed this second incident is not related to the app issue, and that it could mean criminal charges for anyone involved.
“Ugh, see that’s bad. You’re ruined for life. No way,” said Walter Kops, who has lived in the area for a long time. “It’s kind of strange because I never did stuff like that, deviant behavior. I just think it’s kind of awkward. What’s wrong with meeting the girls the old way?”
Police said they didn't investigate the original incident, which is said to involve sexting between football players and cheerleaders, due to the lack of information as to the exact content of message and lack of people coming forward.
School officials said the football team members used an app to send group messages to discuss the team, plays and other things. The principal said one of the chats turned “very inappropriate” and violated the school and athletic department codes of conduct.
On Tuesday, administrators announced the football team would not play in the upcoming game on Friday night, therefore forfeiting. That move was met with mixed reviews.
“If you are going to suspend the football team, which is asinine, you should suspend the whole school,” said Hank Silvestri, a parent of former Plainfield football players.
“I think they should, probably be expelled. It shouldn't be going around school,” said Giffords, a current student.
Kenneth Di Pietro, Plainfield superintendent of schools, declined to comment on specifics.
"When information exceeded the investigation, we reported to the police. We do not know if there is a substantiated concern. That is a matter for the police. We are obligated to protect the rights of our students. And comment could impede the police investigation," wrote Di Pietro in an email to FOX 61.
In a news release, Plainfield Police said the next step in the investigation into the possible pornographic tape is to determine the ages of people involved.
In Connecticut, it is illegal to send or forward sexually explicit content of people under the age of 16.
