Basketball Player’s On-Court Actions Spark Outrage

January 1, 2012 /
KIMATV.com (Yakima, Wash.), Matt Finn

http://www.kimatv.com/news/local/Local-athletes-misconduct-grabs-national-attention-136489138.html

YAKIMA — A local high school athlete’s misconduct is making waves across the country. The incident happened December 23rd at a basketball game between Connell and Highland High school

Video of the game has gone viral. Many are saying the Connell athlete, number 34, was out of control. He can be seen repeatedly fouling other players.

We spoke with some of the Highland players and parents. They tell us they don’t understand why the Connell player got away with what he did.

Jose Uriostegui says his son, a Highland Sophomore, was on the court at the time. After the game he told him about the incident.

“He had mentioned that he had been fouled pretty hard, and I assumed O.K, it’s kinda like what happens in high school games, they’re pretty physical,” Uriostegui said.

“It wasn’t until yesterday that I actually saw the video on Facebook that I became very upset with the quality of refereeing and the unsportsmanlike of this particular player from Connell,” Uriostegui added.

We spoke with an official referee with the Washington Officials Association. He says the player should have been removed after the first foul, which he says was unsporting-like conduct, and unnecessary. He adds the video will likely be reviewed by the association.

Connell Athletic Director, Steve Frucci, says “Connell High School has been made aware of the video of the game you have referenced. As with all concerns that are brought to my attention I will look into this situation with our coaching staff and players.”

The video is posted on the website, www.guyism.com, under the title “The dirtiest basketball player in America.” The video has also received hundreds of views on youtube.com.

We reached out to the Connell student. He did not return our messages.

We will continue to follow this story.


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