Handcuffing out of a high school basketball game is not a way to live life.
A wild brawl in which at least two adult men were escorted from the gym in handcuffs lost a Pennsylvania boys basketball playoff game between Uniontown and Meadville on Friday night.
“I've never seen this ugly intrusion in person.” The game announcer said on video Posted on the USH Talk YouTube channel. “This was really disappointing.”
The wild scene resulted in the lead by 63-55 Meadville, leaving 3:12 left in the fourth quarter, with the game remaining in the fourth quarter as the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association did not list the winners on the website. Monday morning's first 5A game.
“I contacted the schools involved and requested a report from them by Monday regarding the incident last night,” said PIAA Executive Director Robert Lombardi He told Ellie Times News. “We have no further comments until we receive their report.”
The skirmish began late in the fourth quarter after the defender sniffed the ball and then called technical at Uniontown, following a Meadville foul.
An announcer calling the game could not know who the referee called for the skill before he realized that the referee had hit the technician and the player had reached his foul limit.
The pair behind the microphone then informed viewers that the fans were out of hand.
“Uniontown fans are chasing the officials here a bit,” the main announcer said. “There may be some emissions here. Some of the Uniontown fans are getting really hot.”
Fans soon began a brawl in the back section of Meadville's bench. This prevented Union Town players from shooting free throws.
One of the fans in the white jersey threw a punch before being dropped from behind by a man in a long-sleeved green shirt. Several individuals then held the man down in their jerseys.
As actions unfold in the stands, a scream could be heard while Union Town players are in defensive mode as fans walk to the court.
“And now you're getting into it with the players. Umm. This is really getting worse. This is really getting worse on both sides,” the announcer said. “You've still unleashed people here in the courts. What's going on? What's going on with these people? …You've got all the players trying to fight, and this is absolutely crazy. Honestly, both of these schools can't continue doing this.”
Several police officers eventually led the man in a blue shirt from the gym with cuffs, and another fan walked to the other end, handcuffing him from the end of the gym.
The cheerleaders eventually left the exit and then instructed the fans to leave via separate exits.
“It became a boxing game. We came here to call a basketball game…” the main announcer said as the gym started to empty.
Another continued: “It turned into WrestleMania.”
Meadville coach Mark McElhinny told Erie Times-News that his team is handling the situation well, but there could be suspension.
Hershey is waiting for the winner on Tuesday.
“The kids are fine,” McElhinney said. “I think they're optimistic, but it looks like they'll have to wait until Monday to see if they're going to move on.”
Crawford Central School District Principal Jennifer A. Gardon has condemned the actions of fans.
“The game reached an early conclusion due to the unfortunate incident that occurred during a boy's basketball game last night,” Gardon told Ellie News. “While we regret this unexpected outcome, the safety and happiness of the layers, fans and staff will remain our number one priority.
“The district is disappointed by this unfortunate outcome, as the game was meant to be a showcase of competition and sportsmanship. It reminds all fans that respect and sportsmanlike behavior are always expected.”
