A criminal investigation is ongoing by law enforcement officials concerning a brawl that occurred after the boys basketball game between Guy-Perkins and South Side Bee Branch.
Superintendents of both school districts have been advised by legal counsel to not comment on the specifics of the incident until after the investigation is complete. Both schools have provided videos to authorities.
"I can say that no employees of the Guy-Perkins School District were involved in a negative way, and I know that because I was right in the middle of it (trying to settle things down)," said Brian Cossey, interim superintendent at Guy-Perkins. "I've looked at the video a number of times and I know what our people did."
Billy Jackson, superintendent of South Side, released this statement Tuesday, "I had resolved to remain silent until the investigation was completed, but with the credibility and integrity of the South Side Bee Branch School District coming into question, I can no longer stay silent. We have video which reveals that what occurred was not initiated by South Side individuals. The video will also show that our coaches acted appropriately. Our district is still reviewing the video to see what action, if any, should be taken. The video will not be released until the investigation is completed."
The two district border each other with the boundaries sometimes less than a mile apart. They've had a heated natural rivalry for years.
Since the incident occurred at a public event, videos should be available after law enforcement officials have reviewed them.
As a result of the incident at Thunderbird Gymnasium, Cossey said spectators and anyone other than cheerleaders, enforcement officials or photographers will no longer be allowed to congregate on the baselines underneath each basket. He also said he is working with the Guy-Perkins Police Department and the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office to increase security for home games.
"I know folks have their routine of where they like to watch games and some like to do it along the baseline, but they are no longer going to do it at Guy-Perkins," Cossey said. "It was a very close, heated ballgame in which we hit a 3-pointer with four seconds left and they missed a halfcourt shot at the buzzer. It was a great game. It's unfortunate that no one remembers that part of it."
Comments (55)
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Sports rivalries are all well and good when it is left at the competitive level. However, when it turns into hatred and physical harm it has gone WAY too far. I hope those students involved will receive an appropriate punishment. Perhaps 100 hours of community service each will teach a good lesson about the importance of serving others instead of harming others.
I sincerely hope no adults were involved in this other than trying to separate the offending parties. Lead by example.
Oh, and I'm sure this is all Mark Vaught's fault.
nope
It's the fault of pastors in camo. ;)
That or someone from the LOSING team would be my ignorant guess.
Mark Vaught's fault
I heard he was spotted in the area leading up to the incident... Alledgly
Nope last seen he was in Mt
Nope last seen he was in Mt Vernon playing broom ball on a donkey
Fortunately, I wasn't there...
...I say fortunately, because had I been there my kids would have as well and they see enough of the immaturity displayed here when they watch professional sports on tv.
With that said, from all reports I have heard from those who were in there it was adults who started this. A few immature "adults" trying to live vicariously through some high schoolers and then acted like 3 year olds.
As my granddaddy always told me, "Some people serve only as a good example of what NOT to be".
Guy needs to make changes for their fans.
Hopefully Guy Schools will make the changes necessary. A parent from Guy rushed the bench and knocked down a player from South side and went after Southside's coach. That guy should never be able to attend another game. Their was another fan from guy that through a punch. Thank goodness they recognize they have problems cause they said they would be making some changes. Guy fans have no business on the floor much less in the middle of the opposing teams bench.
That was only after the coach
That was only after the coach assulted and grabbed the Guy student 3 times. The Guy parent IS NOT what started it.
hey
Guys!!! Guys!!! Guys!!! (pun intended)
Can't we just get along?
"He Started It!", "No He Started It!"
Does the he started it bickering really mean something, when grown men were acting like schoolyard punks?
I Would Guess
That both of these just like "V" town the school uniform is camo and it might be a little had on the video to sort out who is who when they are all wearing identical school uniforms.