honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Saturday, January 15, 2005

Fan, HPU player get into scuffle after game

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i Pacific basketball officials yesterday were investigating an on-court incident that witnesses said involved a physical altercation between a HPU player and spectator following Chaminade's 81-65 home victory at McCabe Gym on Thursday night.

"We're currently in the process of investigating the alleged incident," said HPU assistant coach Jeff Harada, who is also the assistant athletic director for media relations. "There's really no comment until we gather all the information and facts."

Chaminade coach Aaron Griess was told the altercation involved a college student and an HPU player. The altercation occurred after postgame congratulatory handshakes between players and coaches, Griess said.

Harada declined to identify the player.

"All I know is their player went over to the stands," Griess said. "(The HPU player) was talking to some students (in the grandstands) all game long. I saw that. But then all I know is this student reported the punch to the police."

Griess said the altercation was not videotaped, but was observed by some Chaminade staff members and former Chaminade players who were nearby. Griess said he did not know the student's name and was told the student does not attend Chaminade.

The student said he was struck on the side of the head and filed a police report, Griess said. Police yesterday did not release any information about the incident.

Griess said he planned to report the incident to the Pacific West Conference, but added he didn't feel the need to take further action at Chaminade's home games.

"We had (campus) security at the game," said Griess, who also added that spectators are read a sportsmanship statement before every game. "Beyond that, I don't know what we could do."