Several Punahou players face suspensions for rule-breaking

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Several Punahou School football players will sit out this week's nonleague game against archrival Iolani after breaking team rules during a road trip to Kaua'i the weekend of Aug. 29 to 31, athletic director Tom Holden confirmed yesterday.

The punishment could extend to the Buffanblu's Interscholastic League of Honolulu opener against Kamehameha on Sept. 20, although heach coach Kale Ane did not disclose the exact extent of the disciplinary action.

"The school (administration) made an internal decision, which will be kept in-house, and we took appropriate action as a team," Ane said. "Once the players (serve the punishment), we'll welcome them back in."

Ane would not say how many players will be out or who they were, but acknowledged that all the players previously mentioned as key starters (see capsule above) "probably will still be the main guys" this season.

As for the suspensions affecting the opener against Kamehameha, Ane said, "Well, you'd just have to go to the game and see who's there and who's not."

Holden said he and Ane "cannot specify what kids got what" as far as punishment, adding that "it's a private issue" that was handled internally. Holden also would not disclose the nature of the incident.

"The kids were up front about it, the school found out and dealt with it, and it's over," Holden said.

Ane called the incident "disappointing," but said he hopes the entire team learns from it.

"We told them that when you have an opportunity to make a decision, it always affects other people as well as yourself," Ane said.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456