Suspension: KC Basketball - Taylor |
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Commissioner's Rulings
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2010-11 SeasonFacts: On October 2, 2010, Keyano’s Cole Taylor drove around a King’s defender and unsuccessfully attempted a lay-up. He gathered his own rebound but came down with a foot on the OB line. The Referee, Grant Simmons, made the call, giving possession to King’s. Mr. Taylor reacted to the call with tremendous rage, screaming obscenities at the Referee. Mr. Taylor then charged toward the Referee, bumping him solidly, chest to chest. Mr. Taylor did not back off. Instead, he had to be tackled by a teammate, restrained and physically removed from the immediate area. Needles to say, Mr. Taylor was ejected from the game. This assault was unprovoked. Fortunately, the Referee was not injured by Mr. Taylor’s actions. RULING: Article I Section 13 Rule 9.1 is worded as follows: Suspension in a League Game: Any player or coach ejected from a league game shall receive a minimum of a one game suspension, which shall be served the next scheduled game (emphasis added). Rule 9.1 represents the minimum suspension imposed as a result of a game ejection. It is the Commissioner’s responsibility to determine whether further sanctions are warranted. The behavior exhibited by Mr. Taylor is unacceptable and it cannot be condoned. As I have stated previously, our officials must be treated with respect. Mr. Taylor’s actions not only showed disrespect toward an official but they also placed that official in potential physical danger. The sanction for Mr. Taylor’s actions must be commensurate with the seriousness of the offence. In reaching my decision, I have chosen to reference my ruling of January29, 2009 in relation to Cameron Wharram of GPRC, who not only chest bumped an official but then shoved him forcefully to the ground. Mr. Wharram was suspended for fifteen (15) regular season games, as well as the 2008-09 playoffs. In my opinion, Mr. Taylor’s actions were less severe than those of Mr. Wharram. Nonetheless, a physical assault on an official is an extremely serious violation of ACAC member conduct and must be treated with an appropriate sanction. Therefore, Mr. Taylor is hereby suspended for ten (10) games, to be served as follows: October 22 vs. CUCA In addition to the above, Mr. Taylor must also provide a letter of apology to Mr. Simmons before he is allowed to participate in any ACAC matches. The letter of apology may be forwarded to Mr. Simmons via the ACAC Office. In addition to the above, Mr. Taylor will be placed on probation for the remainder of his ACAC career. Under the terms of this probation, should Mr. Taylor engage in another case of violent behaviour toward any person (including a major or minor official, player, coach, team official or spectator) involved in an ACAC contest, in any sport, he will automatically receive a lifetime ban from the Conference. Sincerely, Bill Hendsbee |