Brothers suspended for 'Tebowing'

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RIVERHEAD, N.Y., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- A pair of New York state brothers said they do not think they should have been suspended for "Tebowing" in the hallways at their high school.

Tyler and Connor Carroll of Riverhead High School said they and two other students received one-day suspensions for "Tebowing," dropping to their knees and bowing their heads in the style of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, but the other two students had their punishments lifted because they had not received official warnings, the New York Post reported Friday.

"It was basically just a tribute to Tim Tebow," said Connor Carroll, 17. "It was more than a religious thing. There was some of that involved obviously, because he prays. I guess it was basically like a moment of silence.

"I just don't think it's fair," he said. "We were never given any warning. They said they did, but that's completely false."

School officials said the stunt, which spread to involve about 40 students, jammed hallways and represented a fire hazard.

"This is not about religious discrimination," said Riverhead School District Superintendent Nancy Carney. "It is about being sure kids are able to get to class on time and keeping the kids safe and orderly."