Griffith Police Recommend Criminal Charges After Basketball Fight
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police have recommended that criminal charges be filed after an investigation into a well-publicized brawl at a boy's basketball game at Griffith High School.
The proposed charges stem from the fight that erupted on Feb. 7 during a game against Hammond High School.
The decision comes after a thorough investigation and proposals for an alternative resolution were unsuccessful, police said in a news release.
"We have been in contact with representatives in the criminal justice system, the schools and attorneys in an effort to offer a productive and educational half-day experience for the individuals involved and are disappointed that this proposition was rejected," said Griffith Police Chief Greg Mance.
"Consequently, I reviewed and analyzed all of the evidence available and moved forward with providing the prosecutor's office with the charges that fit the evidence in the case. The prosecutor's office now decides whether it will move forward with the charges by filing with the court what it deems appropriate."
Names of those involved and details on the charges were not released as most of those involved were minors.
After the fight, the Indiana High School Athletic Association suspended both basketball teams for the rest of the season. The suspension applied for teams at all levels, not just the varsity team.
Officials with both schools later appealed that decision, and a judge allowed both teams to play in the playoffs. Both schools were also placed on probation for the entire 2015-16 school year.
The fight happened early in a varsity game when a Hammond player pushed a Griffith player who was driving to the basket. The foul sent the Griffith player crashing into a padded wall.
Players from both teams stormed the court, followed by some fans. Police were called to restore order and the game was ended.