Okay, so perhaps the playground revolt taking place at Earl Beatty Public School in Toronto, Ontario isn’t exactly taking the world by storm, but the protest from hundreds of elementary school students during recess was enough to attract some local news stations to the scene.

It all began on Monday, when students at the school were sent home with letters telling their parents that hard balls, including soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs and tennis balls, would no longer be allowed in the schoolyard.  This action was taken after “a few serious incidents” occurred involving parents and teachers nearly being struck in the head by flying balls.  One parent had already sustained a concussion after being struck in the back of the head with a soccer ball.  Those in charge at Earl Beatty Public School did not want to see that happen again, thus imposing the ban on hard balls in the schoolyard.

So how did the students feel about this decision?  They didn’t like it on bit.  But oftentimes when you anger kids, you can typically expect them to kick and cry until they get their way.  Well that wasn’t exactly the case for these youngsters.  Instead, they decided to make a stance by lining up along a fence during recess and chanting “We want our balls back” in the direction of the cameras and supervisors on duty.

I believe one boy on the jungle gym said it best when he screamed “You can take our balls, but you can’t take our freedom!”  I guess this is how it all begins.  One day you are an eighth-grader protesting for your right to play with hard balls.  The next day you are camped out on Wall Street.

Fight the power kids!

Hat Tip – [Toronto Star] via reader Vic

During an intense live news report from WPXI Channel 11, cameras followed one reporter as he informs viewers of the presence of riot police along with what he believes to be protesters and their “big banner.”  He makes his way towards the area where all the commotion is taking place, only to find that among all the officers is one man in a vintage Penguins jersey hoisting a fake Stanley Cup in front of the giant banner, which states “Lets Go Pens.”

Although he was likely expecting something along the lines of “Save The Whales” or “End The War,” this reporter couldn’t help but laugh at the “interesting protest sign.”

Penguins fans just can’t seem to get enough celebrating and who can blame them when they are having this much fun.  Is is just me, or does there seem to be something about a rally or protest that attracts the presence of Pittsburgh sports fans.

Hat Tip – [Puck Daddy]

Disgruntled with the organization and new head coach Josh McDaniels, Marshall was dressed Tuesday for practice, but has not been on the field since.  That is not hard to believe after seeing footage of him walk through drills, punt the ball rather than hand it to the ball boy, and intentionally bat down passes instead of catching them.

His actions were clearly taken in a form of protest and have now earned him a spot in McDaniels’ doghouse.  Not even Allen Iverson’s “practice” appeal will save him now.  Let’s just say it hasn’t been the best of summers for Marshall.

We predicted he would be a bust this year and that seems to be taking form before the season even gets started.  Need evidence?  Here it is…

Hat Tip – [ProFootball Talk]