Old Rochester boys basketball player 'no longer' on team after spitting on opponent
After an investigation into an alleged incident of a player spitting on another player during Monday night's MIAA Division 2 state semifinal, the Old Rochester Regional School District released a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
The statement 'confirmed the incident' and announced the ORR player is no longer a member of the boys basketball team.
"On Tuesday, March 12, Old Rochester Regional High School administration was made aware of an incident during the Division 3 Final Four basketball game on Monday night, March 11, in which an Old Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball player reportedly spit on a Pittsfield High School player,” the statement read. "District administration immediately launched an investigation, which confirmed the incident. … Old Rochester Regional High School has identified the player involved. He is no longer a member of the Old Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball Team and has since taken responsibility for his actions.”
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The incident took place with 5:24 left in the third quarter after a basket by Pittsfield junior Malachi Perry had cut Old Rochester’s lead to 43-32.
Perry was called for a technical foul for his response to the incident. No foul was called on the Old Rochester player.
Old Rochester went on to win 82-72 to earn the Bulldogs’ first trip to a state final in nine years. They will face No. 1 Charlestown at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Tsongas Center in Lowell.
"The Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 administration express our deepest regrets to the Pittsfield team and school community at large,” the statement said. “We place the highest value on sportsmanship and will continue to expect the best from our student-athletes as leaders in our school communities."
Here's the statement in its entirety:
A Statement from the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 |
The following is a statement from Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael Nelson, Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll, Athletic Director Christopher Carrig, and Varsity Basketball Coach Steve Carvalho: "On Tuesday, March 12, Old Rochester Regional High School administration was made aware of an incident during the Division 3 Final Four basketball game on Monday night, March 11, in which an Old Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball player reportedly spit on a Pittsfield High School player. "District administration immediately launched an investigation, which confirmed the incident."Old Rochester Regional High School has identified the player involved. He is no longer a member of the Old Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball Team and has since taken responsibility for his actions. "The school will also follow its policies and procedures as they relate to student discipline. "We have been in contact with Pittsfield Public Schools administration throughout this process. We have reported this matter to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and will continue to collaborate with them throughout this process. "The Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 administration express our deepest regrets to the Pittsfield team and school community at large. We place the highest value on sportsmanship and will continue to expect the best from our student-athletes as leaders in our school communities." |
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: ORR boys basketball player off team after spitting on opponent