A Fresno, California softball game ended in a benches-clearing brawl and even video of the incident has failed to shed light on exactly what happened between the Central East High Bengals and the Clovis High Cougars.
As reported by abc30.com, the incident took place after the Bengals broke a 6-6 tie with the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
But in the midst of Central East celebrating a dramatic win, one Bengals player appeared to confront someone from Clovis High, which is when things began to escalate.
Soon fists were flying between Central East players, who were wearing white uniforms, and Clovis High, which has blue jerseys. Parents and coaches quickly joined the melee to pick apart the combatants.
There were even confrontations among spectators, according to abc30.com.
It’s unclear what, exactly, took place, but according to one school statement, Clovis High isn’t to blame.
A Fresno, California softball game ended in a benches-clearing brawl. Video of the incident shows Central East High Bengals players and the Clovis High Cougars fight on the field
With Central East celebrating a dramatic win, one Bengals player appeared to confront someone from Clovis High, which is when things began to escalate
‘In collaboration with administrators at Central East and the California Interscholastic Federation, our school administration completed an investigation and found that players from Clovis High were not at fault in the incident,’ read a statement from the Clovis Unified school district.
‘We appreciate the seriousness with which the coaching staff and administration at Central are treating the incident and will continue to hold to a high standard of behavior expectations in our athletic programs.’
Central East officials also issued a statement.
‘The district is aware of the incident and takes these matters very seriously,’ read a statement from Central Unified School District. ‘The situation was addressed promptly, and appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken in accordance with district policies. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment and continue to hold our students to high standards.’
There were no ejections because the game had technically ended, but that doesn’t mean players will go unpunished.
As Central Section California Interscholastic Federation commissioner Ryan Tos told abc30.com, there is a strict conduct policy in place for such situations, which he thinks are becoming more common.
‘They’re all competitive and people make bad choices,’ Tos said. ‘Not just students, we’re seeing a lot of adults being ejected recently as well. This time of year, those ejections can lead to missing time in the playoffs.’
