A Center Grove High School football player is under investigation for allegedly posting pictures on social media in blackface depicting one of Westfield High School's football players, senior defensive end Popeye Williams.

"I mean, it's a blackface," Williams said of the photo that has gone viral.

One of the top in-state football prospects for 2022, Williams initially did not realize he was being mocked until he noticed the tattoos drawn on the boy's arms in the photo, identical to his designs.

"He tried to draw the tattoos that I have. That clarified it for me," he said.

According to WISH-TV, a CW-affiliated station in Indianapolis, Indiana, Williams shares that the student has not reached out to him or apologized but is willing to talk with the player.

On Facebook, Bo Williams, Popeye's father, shared an image of the student in blackface along with a statement addressing the situation.

"This first picture was taken some time after the 6A championship game on Saturday night," Bo began. "While I hope this isn't behavior that Center Grove represents, this was unfortunately done on a bus where there should have been adult supervision."

"I have a few friends who I respect highly and their children play for the football program. They were NOT happy," Bo continued. "The second picture is one my son (Popeye Williams) responding to the nonsense. He was informed by some of the CG players that the player in the picture was mocking him."

"My hope is that something is done and that this ridiculous behavior is disciplined to the highest level. We know it won't stop, but the powers at hand need to show that it is NOT TOLERATED."

Center Grove high school says it's investigating the incident and has released a statement letting the community know that it "stands with Popeye Williams, his family, our families of color, and anyone else impacted by the black face photos."

"It is unfortunate that the recent media coverage has nothing to do with the great football that was played on the field," Dr. Paul A. Kaiser, superintendent of Westfield Washington Schools, said. "Instead, the lasting image is of a player in black face, mocking a Westfield community member. We've been in constant contact with Popeye, his family and other people who may have been impacted to support in any way they need. We want all Westfield families who may have been impacted by that act of racial bias to know that we stand with you and support you as well."

Alicia Denniston, principal of Westfield High School, also extended her support and commitment to students' inclusion.

"We stand in support of Popeye and the Williams family as they process and face this act of racial discrimination," Denniston said. "While we know that people make mistakes, we hope we can all use this opportunity to learn from our actions. WHS remains committed to standing up against racial discrimination, supporting our students of color, and promoting diversity and inclusion efforts in our school and community."

As for Popeye Williams, he says he won't let the situation keep him from moving forward.

"To my fellow Black brothers, just keep your head up. Live every day with a passion (and) thrive to be great," he said.

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