Thanksgiving Neptune vs. Asbury Park football game canceled due to threats

The traditional Thanksgiving football game between Neptune and Asbury Park has been canceled due to “credible live” threats, school officials announced.

Thanksgiving game statement

“At this point, given the timing of any possible rescheduling and its impact on our ability to properly prepare or evaluate a plan for increased security, I have advised our staff and Asbury Park that we cannot reschedule,” Neptune Superintendent of Schools Tami Crader wrote in a statement.

Asbury Park Schools spokeswoman Chanta Jackson confirmed that in a statement, adding that Neptune has forfeited the game, which was due to be played in Asbury Park.

The Shore Conference Executive Committee will officially decide whether the game is declared a forfeit by Neptune.

Crader in the statement said the Asbury Park police told the city School Superintendent Lamont Repollet about a “confirmed concern over security.” A threat was not made directly to either school or through the schools, she said.

Sgt. Michael Casey, Asbury Park police spokesman, told APP.com the department was investigating an “unconfirmed act of violence” in relation to the school districts’ decision. But he objected Crater’s statement on the events.

“We did not alert the school to the threat,” Casey said. “Where they obtained the information, we do not know.”

Asbury Park Superintendent of Schools Lamont Repollet said Tuesday the districts were acting to ensure the “safety and well-being of our community,”

Here’s the full statement:

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game between Asbury Park High School and Neptune Township High School is being postponed until a mutually-agreed upon date.

On behalf of the Asbury Park and Neptune Township school districts, be assured that safety of our students, staff and communities remain paramount. We extend to you a Happy Thanksgiving.”

Photo by Jean-Daniel Francoeur: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-close-up-photo-of-brown-wilson-pigskin-football-on-green-grass-2570139/