Old Rochester player suspended for alleged spitting incident
Old Rochester will be without a key component heading into this weekend’s Division 3 state boys basketball final.
Following an investigation into an allegation that one of Old Rochester’s players spit on an opposing player in a state semifinal contest Monday, the school announced the player is no longer a part of the program.
The incident occurred with 5:24 left in the third quarter. Following a basket by Pittsfield’s Malachi Perry, video appears to show an Old Rochester player spitting in Perry’s face. Perry received a technical for protesting the incident, but nothing transpired as the officials didn’t see it.
Once the video made the rounds, the school launched its own inquiry and, according to a press release from the school, the player took responsibility for his action and was dismissed from the team.
“On Tuesday, Old Rochester Regional High School administration was made aware of an incident during the Division 3 Final Four basketball game on Monday night in which an Old Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball player reportedly spit on a Pittsfield High School player,” the release said. “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.
“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.”