Franklin Public Schools backtracks, now says there was no investigation into Kenosha Bradford football player when they prevented fans from attending game

FRANKLIN, Wis.  (CBS 58) -- Franklin Public Schools is now walking back the reason why the district did not allow any fans into Friday night's playoff game against Kenosha Bradford.

At first, Franklin Public Schools blamed an investigation into a Kenosha Bradford player as the reason to keep everyone away.

But one day later their story changed.

In a new statement posted to social media, Franklin Public Schools said, "To offer clarity, there was never a Bradford football player under investigation."

The message Saturday directly contradicted what the district said the day before, when it kept hundreds of fans from seeing Franklin take on Kenosha Bradford in Level 1 of the playoffs.

On Friday there were locked gates, a heavy police presence, and disappointed fans turned away from what, for some, turned out to be their child's final game. No one was allowed into Sullivan Stadium.

Less than two hours before kickoff Friday, Franklin Public Schools posted a notice that said it was "due to an ongoing investigation involving a player from Kenosha Bradford (who will not be in attendance at the game)".

The statement went on to say, "This decision was made out of an abundance of caution" but did not elaborate further.

When our crews arrived at the stadium Friday night, the gates were locked, police officers were posted at the entrances, and fans were turned away.

Kenosha Bradford lost, so the only way for their fans to watch the final game of their season was via a live stream, not in person.

But then on Saturday came the new statement from District Administrator Annalee Bennin, Principal Mike Vuolo, and Athletic Director Cordell Smith that contradicted what they said the day before.

After the three administrators explained there was no investigation into a Kenosha Bradford player, they also wrote: "Misinformation damages the experience for players and for both communities," a day after citing something that was not true.

We emailed the three administrators who issued both statements. They did not respond.

We also called, texted, and emailed the public information officer for Franklin Public Schools, and the public information officers for both Franklin Police and Kenosha Police.

No one responded to our questions and requests for more information.