Goodrich- The Genesee County Sheriff Department and school officials are investigating a verbal exchange which escalated into a physical altercation necessitating intervention by local law enforcement personnel during a fifth grade girls basketball game with Bendle Schools on Oct. 31.
Sheriff deputies were called to the high school gymnasium toward the end of the Saturday morning game and EMS later arrived to treat spectators at the scene of the altercation between three individuals. A total of about six individuals were involved in the scuffle before order was restored. Three citations were issued following the fight. No further details were available as of press time Thursday.
‘The individuals involved in this incident will no longer be allowed to attend youth basketball events at Goodrich or other area schools, and we will need the assistance of our coaching staff to ensure compliance,? said Dave Davis, athletic director in a prepared statement.
‘Student safety is our primary priority. While this incident did not involve a student or result in physical injury to a student, this is not the type of behavior we expect and/or will tolerate from our spectators. In fact, it is our expectation that parents and other spectators will serve as positive role models to our young athletes in promoting the value of educational athletics and sportsmanship.?
‘We have worked diligently to address this incident in an appropriate manner,’he said. ‘Site directors of the youth basketball games, assigned officials, coaches and administration at each host facility will continue to work cooperatively to ensure the safety of our students.?
District Superintendent Michelle Imbrunone said a full police report is forthcoming.
‘We will continue to investigate this incident and are working with law enforcement to determine if charges are necessary.?