'Sexting' Investigation Derails ETHS Baseball Season

Evanston Township High School's baseball team will forfeit the playoffs this season following reports that members of the team were "sexting," or sending indecent photos via text message, according to ABC-7 News.

Athletic Director Chris Livatino sent a letter to parents, saying that "the complicit behavior of the team and the degradation of fellow female classmates is completely unacceptable as representatives of Evanston Township High School," ABC-7 reports.

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School officials launched an investigation earlier this week after receiving a report that female students had texted "inappropriate photos" to members of the boys varsity baseball team, some of whom had then shared those photos amongst themselves, according to a letter from Supt. Eric Witherspoon that is posted on the district's website.

"Appropriate actions have been taken," the letter says. "The Evanston Police Department as well as DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) have been consulted, and at this time they have declined to take any action."

Witherspoon encouraged parents to talk to their students about sexting and the repercussions it could have for their future, given the fact that photos can remain online indefinitely. 

"College admissions officers and employers often review the internet to be sure that nothing in a person’s past may overshadow a potential acceptance or hire," he wrote in the letter. "Making good decisions with technology now will help support your child’s plans for the future."

Past coverage of the baseball team: 

• Kits Baseball Tops Niles North in CSL Crossover Game
• ETHS Baseball Rallies to 7-6 Win Over Glenbrook South On Senior Day
• ETHS Baseball Primes For Post-Season Run