Normally, a team is still riding an emotional high after winning a Catholic League title at the buzzer. But the Saints boys’ basketball team celebration was delayed following the turmoil of the March 4 game, where a post-game melee broke out. The squad finally was able to cut down the championship nets Tuesday at a ceremony in its own school gym.
Unfortunately, the win over Roman Catholic has not been the top story, but has been overshadowed by the post-game brawl that took place following the 44-41 victory at La Salle University’s Tom Gola Arena. Coaches and principals, respectively, met in the days following the game to address the post-game incident.
Friday, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education released a statement regarding the incident: "The behavior which occurred was not consistent with the Mission of Catholic Education and was unacceptable. The Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is taking the necessary steps to ensure that such actions do not happen in the future."
As a result, Roman Catholic and Neumann-Goretti both received letters of reprimand with the following sanctions:
•Boys’ basketball games between Roman Catholic and Neumann-Goretti during the 2006-07 regular season will be played without fans, spectators or parents present.
•The Neumann-Goretti basketball coach has been suspended for the first four games of the 2006-07 Philadelphia Catholic League regular season.
Neumann-Goretti coach Carl Arrigale declined to comment as he is appealing the ruling.
•Both schools have been placed on probation for the remainder of this school year, as well as the 2006-07 school year.
"Any further negative actions by the fans or players of either school could/would result in further punitive action, up to and including, restriction from any postseason playoff competition in the respective sport," according to the statement.
•Students, whether players or fans, who are identified as being involved in behavior deemed inappropriate will be penalized in accordance with their respective school codes.
The Office of Catholic Education has also recommended revisions to the Philadelphia Catholic League’s Code of Conduct, including all signs and posters being pre-approved by the assistant principal for student affairs of any school in question. Inappropriate dress or conduct also will not be permitted during Philadelphia Catholic League events.
