South Coast basketball player kicked off team after spitting on opponent during win

Mattapoisett, MA – Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael Nelson, Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll, Athletic Director Christopher Carrig, and Varsity Basketball Coach Steve Carvalho have issued a statement after accusations involving a player during the team’s tournament semifinal Division 3 win over Pittsfield which punched a ticket to the finals.

“On Tuesday, March 12, Old Rochester Regional High School administration was made aware of an incident during the Division 3 Final Four basketball game on Monday night, March 11, in which an Old Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball player reportedly spit on a Pittsfield High School player.

“District administration immediately launched an investigation, which confirmed the incident.

“Old Rochester Regional High School has identified the player involved. He is no longer a member of the Old Rochester Boys Varsity Basketball Team and has since taken responsibility for his actions. 

“The school will also follow its policies and procedures as they relate to student discipline. 

“We have been in contact with Pittsfield Public Schools administration throughout this process. We have reported this matter to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and will continue to collaborate with them throughout this process. 

“The Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 administration express our deepest regrets to the Pittsfield team and school community at large. We place the highest value on sportsmanship and will continue to expect the best from our student-athletes as leaders in our school communities.”

In addition to the spitting accusations, members of the Pittsfield team also accused fans of shouting racial slurs at the players. The game was played at Worcester State University.