Cheerleaders drunk at McIntosh High game are suspended

Eight McIntosh High School cheerleaders have been suspended for being drunk while performing during a varsity football game on Oct. 10, Fayette County schools spokeswoman Melinda Berry-Dreisbach confirmed Friday afternoon.

“They were under the influence at the football game,” she said. “I don’t know if they had bottles or whatever it was, but they were under the influence.”

No one was injured.

Each of the cheerleaders received a 10-day out-of-school suspension for consuming alcohol on school grounds. They can have that penalty reduced to seven days if, as first-time offenders, they agree to participate in an alcohol and drug intervention program, Berry-Dreisbach said.

School officials declined to comment. Per county policy, the unnamed cheerleaders will additionally be required to sit out 25 percent of their season, meaning their football cheering days are over for this season.