Ipswich High Lacrosse Forfeits Division 4 Semifinal After 9 Players Ruled Ineligible Over Cigars
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 10
Ipswich High Lacrosse Forfeits Division 4 Semifinal After 9 Players Ruled Ineligible Over Cigars
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 10
Summary
Nine Ipswich High players were ruled ineligible, leaving the undefeated boys lacrosse team without enough available athletes and forcing a Tuesday forfeit of its MIAA Division 4 state semifinal against Cohasset.
Players said the cigars used in a Sunday graduation tradition were homemade and tobacco-free, and senior Christian Gianakakis said one was later shown to administrators as proof.
Gianakakis told Boston.com the players were initially told they could play, then saw that decision reversed about four hours before game time; he believes Superintendent Brian Blake made the final call.
MIAA Executive Director Bob Baldwin said the state body did not make the eligibility ruling, calling it a local decision under rules that impose a 25% season suspension when a principal finds a tobacco violation.