Brawl Ends Indiana Basketball Seasons For Hammond, Griffith
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The boys basketball seasons for two Northwest Indiana schools have been canceled, following a beach-clearing brawl last weekend.
The Indiana High School Athletic Association on Tuesday suspended both teams for the rest of the season. The suspension applies for teams at all levels, not just the varsity team.
The fight happened early in the varsity game on Saturday between Hammond and Griffith when a Hammond player pushed a Griffith player who was driving to the basket. The foul sent the Griffith player crashing into a padded wall.
Players from both teams stormed the court, followed by some fans. Police were called to restore order and the game was ended. Officially, it will be recorded as a double forfeit.
Both schools were also placed on probation for the entire 2015-16 school year.
"This probation is a severe type of warning," the ISHAA said in a statement. "It is official notice that serious violations have occurred, are a matter of record and future, similar incidents will not be tolerated."
Other sanctions:
- The teams will not receive any revenue from the upcoming sectional tournament.
- Each basketball coach (paid and voluntary) from both schools shall
complete a teaching and modeling behavior course. - Each varsity student‐athlete from both schools shall complete the sportsmanship course
"The Griffith Public Schools Board of School Trustees and Administration support the IHSAA decision," said Peter Morikis Superintendent of Griffith Public Schools. "We are committed to moving forward in a positive direction, and will work together on positive sportsmanship for all students."
Larry Moore Sr., Hammond High School's Athletic Director, said the team was devastated.
"It's like a ton of bricks hit us today," he said. "It was an isolated incident Unfortunately, sometimes kids make these decisions. It's devastating, and that behavior is not acceptable at Hammond High School."
Some say the move is deflating spirits at Hammond among team members and others. But they said they understand violence can't be tolerated in sports, something Hammond's mayor hopes students carry with them.
"It's a life lesson you want to teach these kids while they're young that this is not acceptable behavior," said Tom McDermott.
