Big South Conference Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery has issued the following statement about this past week’s fighting incident during the High Point at Winthrop women’s basketball game:
“The Big South Conference holds all student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and representatives of institutional interest to the highest standards of ethical conduct and sportsmanship. The events that occurred during the High Point University at Winthrop University women’s basketball contest last night represented a significant departure from those expectations and from the values of the Conference. Unethical conduct – and specifically fighting – will not be tolerated at any level.”
The Conference is actively reviewing the matter and will quickly take appropriate action to address the situation and deter future incidents, as well as issue the necessary
In the closing seconds of the High Point’s 88-74 win in Rock Hill, South Carolina, video shows Winthrop’s Tocarra Johnson throwing multiple punches at a Panthers player after being closely guarded in the high post.
The video does not appear to show any retaliatory punches by High Point players as officials quickly stepped in to stop the altercation.
As of Saturday, the Big South announced a suspension. The Big South Conference has reprimanded and suspended the Winthrop women’s basketball player that violated the league’s Ethical Conduct Policy during the Eagles’ Feb. 4 game against High Point University.
The individual repeatedly struck an HPU player toward the end of the contest. As a result, the student-athlete has been suspended for eight (8) games, representing 25 percent of the team’s scheduled contests, in addition to any NCAA playing rules suspension.
“I want to reiterate the Big South Conference’s unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of our competitions and ensuring accountability when our standards are not met,” said Montgomery. “College athletics serve as a laboratory not only for academic and athletic development, but most importantly for personal growth. We remain dedicated to creating student-athlete experiences rooted in development, advancement, and excellence – personally, academically, and athletically.”
Big South Conference
