8 city basketball players suspended

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 29, 2004 | by DENNIS HUSPENI THE GAZETTE

A shouting confrontation with referees that escalated into shoving resulted in yearlong suspensions for eight members of a city Parks and Recreation Department basketball team.

Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation officials Monday handed down the suspensions for rules violations.

The incident, which also involved players' wives, happened during and after an adult men's basketball game at Rampart High School on Dec. 13. The team involved in the altercation with the referees was called the Wizards.

"We have an obligation to provide a safe and enjoyable environment," said Lamont Gizzi, manager of recreation services. "We take that responsibility very seriously."

Gizzi said that banning adults from city sports programs is extremely rare.

"I can't remember the last time, that's how infrequently it happens," he said.

Gizzi would not name the eight suspended members of the Wizards team, saying he promised them he wouldn't.

Eight of the nine members of the team were suspended for a year. The ninth player was not present at the Dec. 13 game.

Colorado Springs police issued three disorderly conduct citations to people involved in the altercation: Darla Tubbs, 28; Lesa Tubbs, 31; and Brandon Tubbs, 29, all of Colorado Springs. Police allege that Darla Tubbs and Lesa Tubbs left the stands to confront the referees. Brandon Tubbs was a member of the Wizards team.

Neither Brandon nor Lesa Tubbs returned calls Tuesday.

According to police, here's what happened Dec. 13:

Five patrol cars were sent to Rampart High School, 8250 Lexington Drive, about 9 p.m. Dec. 13, after police got a call about a disturbance at the game. Witnesses initially told police that about 20 people were involved. There were about 60 spectators at the game.

"The crowd thought the referees were not doing a good job," the police report states. "At the end of the game, wives and girlfriends of the players were taunting the referees."

Police said two of the players' wives came down on the court "and started shoving the referees as they encouraged players to assault the referees."

There were no injuries.

Attempts Tuesday to reach the referees were unsuccessful.

Gizzi said a rule book delivered to every sports-program participant lays out the rules of good sportsmanship, explaining a possible punishment of suspension from the program "They clearly violated the code of conduct," Gizzi said. "We're just following the rules." Members of the opposing team left the gym and

were not involved, he said.

Gizzi said that when they met with Wizards team members Monday to inform them of the suspension, they were "real gentlemen." "They

understand the consequences of their actions, Gizzi said. "They said 'We understand there's no excuse for our behavior.'" The men will be eligible to participate again Jan. 1, 2006.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0110 or dhuspeni@gazette.com

THE RULES

Following is a copy of the rules violated by eight members of an adult Parks and Recreation basketball team.

Code of Conduct

A player, coach, substitute team attendant or spectator shall not:

Disrespectfully address an official, object to an official's decision by using gestures or language.

Incite undesirable crowd reactions.

Players Code of Conduct

No team member shall lay a hand upon, shove, strike or verbally threaten or abuse an official, player, spectator or staff person. Anyone who strikes at another player will be banned from further participation in all Parks, Recreational and Cultural Services Department sports programs for at least one year.

Only the designated team representative may discuss, in a polite manner, calls or ruling with the official(s).