EC-Wallace incident under IHSAA review

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:22AM

IHSAA commissioner Bobby Cox finally has all the information in front of him in regards to what happened in last Friday's East Chicago at Lew Wallace boys basketball game.

And he's got a lot to ponder.

"I've got reports from the officials and the schools," Cox said. "I'm reviewing them and I'd like to get the perspective of the Gary police too."

So what really did happen?

According to those reports on Cox's desk, there was an altercation on the court with about four minutes left in the third quarter and the Cardinals leading 45-38.

Soon after that, both benches emptied onto the court.

The coaches and officials eventually got all the players back to the benches. While the refs were assessing the situation and consequences, fans started spilling onto the court.

Gary police had to step in to control the situation.

Cox said "the sister of the Lew Wallace head coach (Renaldo Thomas)" was described as the "most boisterous" who had to be "removed from the gym."

East Chicago went back to its locker room while Wallace stayed on its bench.

Several minutes later, the Cardinals asked police about the condition of the gym and whether they should go back out to the court. They were advised by police not to return and were escorted to their buses.

"When there are acts of unsportsmanlike conduct from kids or fans, nothing good can come out of it," Cox said.

No punishment or repercussions have been handed down yet since Cox wants to wait until he speaks to the police and as many parties involved as possible.

On John Harrell's Indiana High School Basketball website, the game is listed as a victory for East Chicago.

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