Seton Coach Apologizes After Refusing To Accept 2nd-Place Trophy

(CBS) In the wake of Seton Academy refusing to accept the Class 2A second-place trophy on Saturday night, head coach Brandon Thomas has issued an apology.

"I would like to offer an apology for my actions following the 2A State Championship game on Saturday, March 9," Thomas said in his statement. "While my actions have given the appearance of poor sportsmanship, it was not my intent. I am truly saddened that this situation occurred and that it has diminished the hard work and effort put forth by our young men and that of the school administrators and coaches who supported us throughout the season."

After his team's loss to Harrisburg in the Class 2A state championship game in Peoria, Thomas exchanged heated words with fans before storming off the court with his team, refusing to accept the second-place trophy. He was awarded a medal for second place, which he promptly threw to an assistant coach before engaging with the fans.

Seton held a 10-point lead in the first half, but things began to unravel after their leading scorer, Mark Weems Jr., was ejected in the second quarter for making contact with an official.

The school also released the following statement:

"Seton Academy echoes the disappointment of the IHSA at events at the Title 2A state championship game and will cooperate fully with its investigation," Lynch said in the statement. "It was a complex situation and we believe it will be understood better when the full context is heard. Seton's mission is to develop the spiritual, academic, moral and social aspects of all our students. We are committed to upholding these values, and are taking this matter seriously."