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Harlem Shake spoof lands Titusville H.S. baseball players in hot water

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — The Harlem Shake is the latest craze to gyrate its way across YouTube, but Titusville High School officials are not fans of the new dance fad.

Ten students, mostly from the baseball team, were recently suspended for their version of the shake.

Channel 9 learned several members of the baseball team were also kicked off the team, which some believe is an unfair punishment.

Several parents spoke to Channel 9 off-camera on Friday, saying they're imploring the school to let the players back on the roster.

The Harlem Shake is a viral sensation on YouTube and has been spoofed by dozens of sports teams across the country, including a wild performance by the University of Kansas basketball team.

But, a rendition by Titusville High School's Terrier baseball team was recently yanked from YouTube, and the student photographer who posted it and nine players in it were all suspended.

"They were just trying to have fun and at the same time be a YouTube sensation," said student Daniel Jones. "I think the staff here has taken it to the most extreme to make an example out of them, which they shouldn't be."

Jones wasn't in the video, but he said he knows several of the players who were. He also knows many of their parents who were on campus Friday to learn why their children were either suspended, kicked off the team or both.

"I saw the video, and I didn't see anything wrong with it. I've seen it worse," said student David Neuterman.

Those who have seen the video said there was plenty of hip-thrusting, but a school spokesman said there were also some inappropriate gestures.

The video was also shot on school grounds with some players stripping down to their baseball sliders and team jerseys, which seemed to be a little too provocative for the school's taste.

A number of parents told Channel 9 they could accept a two-day suspension, but kicking the kids off the team is too extreme.

Those parents were also hesitant to talk with Channel 9's Melonie Holt in fear it would hurt their kids' chances of getting back on the team.

The Titusville Terriers have a game Friday night, and some junior varsity players will fill the vacant slots.