----

  It is truly sad when a great game can be completely wiped away by the
sad actions of a few. The efforts of two great teams to get to that
point and all the hard work that was put into it, GONE. Why? I Think
Security failed on many levels (I work security part- time for major
events) On TV when the game was over you can clearly see a CSC guard
cheering as the floor is getting over run. At any sporting event there
should be a strict "no cans or bottles policy" And the biggest thing
that should have been done is "No negative signs" e.g. Temple "vs" Duke,
I was doing searches at the door and came across a group of Temple
students with over 300 picture masks of J.J. Redick's mother.
Common sense told me Don't let the masks in, it can only cause trouble.
With all the posters these students had, it should have told someone it
wasn't a positive thing. Before every event the rules are made CLEAR,
vulgar language or any direct dialogue with a player should be
prohibited. (everyone remembers the Domi incident) When it happens you
warn the person or persons, next time they get ejected from the event.
The most important thing we can do is learn from this, How can we make
it better? Stripping a title from players who have worked so hard to get
that honor, would be devastating. Disqualifying both teams from post
season next year would equally be devastating.
  Thanks Ted I hope we can get past this, and make the league better for
learning from it.
-- Bill
  (Ted's note: There is no doubt that Roman's administrators knew about the
Flava Flav "faces" way before the game started. At one point they were held
up en masse by the kids and an Inquirer photographer even took a picture
that appeared on the philly.com website. And, yes, that one CSC guard was
enjoying N-G's victory as much as anyone -- smile.)

----

----

     Obviously, as someone who has been involved with the Philadelphia Catholic League for a number of years I have strong feelings on what transpired at the end of the Catholic League final this past Saturday.  I think that what took place was terrible, unfortunate, and embarrassing. The melee that ensued after the final buzzer has certainly given our league a black eye of epic proportions.
     I don’t condone the actions of any of the parties involved, but I refuse to place blame on just one or on a handful of individuals. I believe there were many elements that contributed to the fracas that marred what is suppose to be the culmination of one of the best high school basketball leagues in the state.  Could a player have used better judgment in how to display his emotions after a game-winning shot? Could student sections have behaved more appropriately? Is it possible that coaches could have better prepared their players for this situation? Could school administrators done a better job of prepping their student sections on what is to be considered acceptable behavior? Could the adult supporters have been better example-setters and peacemakers, rather than uncontrollable participants? The answer to all these questions is in my mind is a capital Y-E-S!!!!
     So, with so much blame to go around I don’t think the punishment should be placed upon one player, one coach, or one team. I think the goal of the archdiocese should be to hand out a fair punishment that is equally distributed and to make sure that something like this never occurs again.
     I don’t think stripping Neumann-Goretti of their title is the answer. I also don’t think putting N-G or Roman on probation for next year is the answer either.  In my opinion, I think there are too many people; players, coaches, and fans affiliated with these schools that are good people and shouldn’t be made to pay the price for the actions of a few.
     The events of Saturday night in my opinion were the result of a steady progression of negativity that has been expanding for some time now in our league. Like a volcano, it’s only a matter of time before it erupts and the aftermath isn’t always going to be something good to look at.  However, the clean up process is a necessity and the time is now.
     I’m not positive what the punishments should even be. I know a statement must be made, but there are just so many factors involved that it is going to be hard to come up with a reasonable and fair decision in the eyes of everyone. I trust that the people leading our schools will do a great job in this matter.
     Regardless of what happens I believe that it is essential that we use these events as a learning experience. A learning experience not just for the people associated with Neumann-Goretti and Roman, but for the entire Philadelphia Catholic League.
     Unfortunately, bad or negative things happen in all walks of life.  For the Philadelphia Catholic League our turn was Saturday night. No, it doesn’t mean we have to accept it or tolerate what happened. I don’t think anyone would want that. However, I hope we can resolve it, not continue to dwell on it, and eventually get back to being the great league we have been for so many decades.
     The PCL has too long a history and a one-of-a-kind tradition not to overcome this bump in the road. As long as everyone involved has the foresight to see that changes need to be made and beliefs need to be reshaped, then there is no reason why this league can’t continue to be the great league it has always been.
Thanks,
Huck Palmer
  (Ted's note: We'll keep our fingers crossed, Huck. Everyone is watching Stephen Pawlowski and those he commands. Let's hope they get it right.)

----

Mr. Silary, after reading the comments on this whole RC/NG situation, it
appears that Roman is getting a bad reputation for the events that took
place last Saturday night. I was a member of Roman's graduating class
last year. I am not defending the actions of Roman students, but i am
defending the reputation of the school. The people that commented
before have no idea what goes on between the walls at Broad & Vine, and
would not know that every morning during homeroom, the principle, Mr.
O'Neill comes on the TV and promotes the upcoming nights game. When he
finishes talking about the game he always finished by saying " remember
only positive cheering". For the one mother to say "the Catholic should
be removed from Roman Catholic High School" is just wrong. All because
of a situation involving mostly parents, Roman gets a bad reputation.
There was another comment made about how opposing teams players and
parents do not like playing in Roman's gym. That is called a home court
advantage. The student section is well....a student section.
It is supposed to be loud and a bother for the opposing team. Does
anyone complain about the "Cameron Crazies"? NO. The student section
is a big part of high school and college basketball. When you walk into
Roman's gym, it is an intimidating atmosphere with its championship
banners and lack of seating. If you dont like it, don't attend the
game. And as far as DJ Rivera running down the court to Romans student
section after hitting the game winner, what was he thinking? You run to
your own schools section after hitting a remarkable shot like that, not
the opposing teams. He was asking for trouble and he got it. Hopefully
Roman's reputation does not get tarnished any more than it has been this
last week, and that this kind of fiasco does not happen again.
-- Chris Pester Class of 2005
   (Ted's note: As much fun as Roman's gym is, I've been surprised all
these years that it hasn't been banned as a site. It's not legal! The
three-point arc meets the sideline about halfway between the baselines
and foul lines, so treys of course are impossible from the corners to the
near wings. Unbelievable. Could you imagine a football field, say, with
only eight feet between the goalposts? Or a baseball field with only 80
feet between the bases? "Ah, the place is too small. Couldn't make a
full-sized diamond. Sorry.")

----

  As a current Roman senior and a member of the Roman student section I can
say that both schools are equally at fault for what took place on Saturday
at LaSalle University. Everyone needs to drop the whole DJ River-Flava Flav
thing because it has nothing to do with what happened. The Roman students
held up the Flava Flav signs three times: before the game, during player
introductions, and when Rivera took his only two free-throws of the night.
Rivera didn't seem to be too upset about the pictures, he actually laughed
at them during warmups. Nobody has said anything about the Neumann student
section chanting "Wana-Faker", a reference to Roman players Brian and
Bradley Wanamaker. That chant is just as much a personal shot as saying
that Rivera looks like Flava Flav. I don't think that holding up photo
copies of a washed-up rapper had an effect on the game or what ensued
afterwards. Another thing that many people fail to talk about is the fact
that when Rivera ran over to Roman's section so too did the fans from
Neumann's student section. Rivera and his teammates have every right in the
world to celebrate, however, the students of N-G had no right whatsoever to
run over and start screaming obscenities and giving obscene hand gestures.
That is what started the debris throwing incident. The events that took
place outside of the gym were due in part to the incompetence of the
security staff and the overreaction of adults who should not have been on
the court to start with. A certain player's father attempted to come into
Roman's student section after getting hit with an empty water bottle, but he
was soon caught by the police and chaos followed. I am not putting the
blame on any individual school, they are both equally at fault. Neumann
should not have to forfeit their title, the best player on the court hit the
biggest shot of his life. Both teams should be commended for an extremely
hard-fought game that came down to the final shot.
   As for the comments about Roman's gym, it's been there for over 100 years
and its tradition provides for one of the best atmosphere's in Philadelphia
basketball. Opposing teams are supposed to feel uncomfortable, it's called
having the home-court advantage. Don't worry though, Roman is in the
process of annexing a new building and constructing a new gym, so that will
be one less thing that you have to complain about.
-- Bill Landis Class of 2006
  (Ted's note: People are forgetting one thing, Bill. And by the way, thanks
for signing your name to your note. Everyone ran over because they wanted to
celebrate with D.J. If he'd run to N-G's bench, I doubt the celebration would
have spilled down to the other end if the court. And if the fans/players had
started heading in that direction, the security force would have been better
prepared to stop them because there would have been some delay. Obviously,
this whole situation is FILLED with would-haves and could-haves.)

----

Ted,
  This game was one of the best games ever played in Philadelphia high
school basketball, with one of the most exciting endings ever, a game
winning shot. I attend N-G and I can honestly say that what happened after
the game was a disgrace. The aftermath was a disgrace but the media took
this way out of hand. It was not the students of N-G or Roman that
started the fighting it was fans that didn't go to either school. In my
school this whole week we had to hear about this fighting at the game.
One of my teachers told me that when he was in high school his team made
it to the city championship in the 1970s and there was huge fight that
even blows this out of picture. (I think it was St. Johns and Gratz??
The team Kobe Bryant's father played on was the team Theo ). I just think
the media didn't get all the facts and puts all the blame on the fans
and just wasn't right. The media always blows situations out of
proportion. For example Barry Bond steroids, Brittany Spears and the
baby on the lap, and a lot of other stories.
  I am a Football player for N-G and I know how it feels to be taunted.
What DJ did was wrong -- really wrong I would say. But the referees and
the school staff of roman were wrong for letting their fans have that
sign about him in the stands of Flava Flav. But as Roman and N-G fans
agree on: It was a great game and what happened afterward shouldn't lead
to N-G having the title taken away. They earned it and deserved it.
-- A.M.
  (Ted's note: Kobe's dad played for Bartram. Can't remember that there
was a big fight at that City Title game in '72 -- Bartram vs. St. Thomas More,
which closed in June 1975 -- but perhaps there was. I do remember a couple
of stabbings at a Pub playoff in '71. I hope no one reading MY stories has
gotten the impression there was actual fighting, as in face-to-face fisticuffs,
between the students. Because there wasn't. Roman's kids never came onto
the court. Of course, I have no true idea what went on outside.)

----

Concerning your article on the CL brawl, and with the ADs meeting. I am a Neumann
Grad, Head Coach of the Girls at Cape May Tech in NJ, and a parent. I attended our
championship game on Sat. and was impressed with everything I saw, until the end of
the game. Sitting a few rows behind the Roman bench I saw the incidents. Items being
thrown, taunting on both sides, and the "parent" who could not control himself.
Neumann's coach even gave him the trophy to hold up, but he could not
control himself. The police had enough and ran him out. I believe that was the start of what
happened in the hallway + outside. That has been taken care of and that is where it
should end. Both LaSalle U, and the City Police should take a look at themselves.
To enter the game, one side door open (please) over 3 thousand people into one entry
way. With all the police who showed up "after" the event, if a quarter of them where
in attendance on site this would of never happened. I hope the ADs take a look at
that. Yes, some players were wrong, but why should the kids lose out on shaking
hands, cutting down nets, ect. Some may say its a sign of the times (behavior),
but those in charge should have thought ahead.
Thank you for your time.
-- Anthony Samartino
( Tony Samartino's Son )
   (Ted's note: The late TS was a long-time coach/administrator/goodwill ambassador in
the Sonny Hill League and is fondly remembered, often!, by everyone who knew him.)

----

Ted,
  I just want to share one thought on this whole Neumann-Goretti/Roman
Basketball championship.
  These boys of the Neumann/Goretti team were denied the pleasure of an
award ceremony.
  As a team these boys earned that and more. Where to place the blame on
the aftermath is as always everyone's own opinion.
  My concern here is that I personally watched this team play all year. I
saw defeat and I also saw triumph. I always saw these boys act in a
sportsmanship like manner on the court and off the court.
  The coaches of these boys have always instilled not only basketball
techniques but respect.
  To work hard all year and to have the pleasure of cutting down the net
and taking pictures with family and friends taken away is sad.
  Can we please give these boys the praise that they deserve?
  D.J. Rivera's winning shot was amazing and the way the team played as a
team was awe inspiring.
  Let's hear it for the Boys of the Neumann/Goretti Catholic League
Champions.
  No matter what happens no one can take away that they won the title
game.
  You go guys!!! Great job. I am personally proud of every one of you.
-- Nikki Badessa
  (Ted's note: That hit me as much as anything else -- the no-celebration
part -- when I was trying to take pics in N-G's cramped locker room. At
least for the moment, the kids don't even have pieces of the net. Maybe the
players can go back and have a little ceremony?)

----

  Hi Ted, I can't believe that almost a week later you can't open a paper
to the sports section without reading about the brawl after the game. I
know what happened was a serious incident but I can't believe that Mr
Pawlowski is seriously considering taking disciplinary actions against
players or coaches from Neumann. While I do think that some fans should
have some type of action taken against them . I don't think that
player's and students celebrating a win no matter how exuberant called
for what happened. In my opinion Mr Pawlowski is being very hypocritical
and the only reason he is considering taking action is because of all
the media attention. Cardinal O'Hara rushed on the court toward the NG
student section after their girls' win, and a few objects were thrown on the
court but order was quickly restored and they went on with their
celebration, which they greatly deserved . You don't hear about that
incident because there was no media attention or police presence. By the
way, I wonder if Ta'londa thinks that her school should be stripped of
the title for the same thing NG players and students did or maybe she
didn't go to that game. As for not letting the student section paint
there chest and bring signs, I don't see anything wrong with that as
long as it is no offensive or derogatory .My son was one of the
students painted, this was not the only game the students were painted,
just the only one where a problem arose . As far as the players and
students rushing the court, this is a time honored tradition not only on
the high school level but in college as well . As for playing in an
empty gym next year ,why should all fans from NG and Roman be punished
for the actions of a few .Also, while I have the utmost respect for the
Philadelphia police department and the difficult job they do there were
policemen who did a very poor job that night , there was an officer
auguring with a nun and the students outside the arena telling them to
keep moving while the nun was trying to tell him that she had
instructions to hold the students there for the bus, I asked him if he
was going to be responsible for their safety if something happened to
them while they walked down Olney Ave. I have gone to many high school
sporting events since my son has attended NG and my son and his fellow
students at this school have an unbelievable school spirit ,one that I
wish me and my fellow students had when I went to Bishop Neumann . Let's
not do anything stupid and kill the wonderful school spirit that these
students possess .I only hope that the AD's and other officials treat NG
fair this time. In my opinion ,it would be the first time . As one of
the other contributors stated ,the Catholic league seems to Make up
rules as they please . Schools take players from other teams, use
ineligible players and nothing happens, but NG obtains two girls from
another school and they have to sit out a year -- not the same standard .
I know for a fact that this standard does not apply to all Catholic
high schools. It's a shame that certain schools can say and do as they
please. It's time to be fair .
Thank you,
Al Howlett '74
   (Ted's note: The molehill first became a mountain when such a display
of knuckleheadism -- the parent and police getting into it long and hard --
took place right in the middle of the court, in view of everyone, and
brought about the arrival of so many police from around the city. The
mountain grew larger when the story about the trouble went out over the
national news-service wires and made appearances in such papers as USA
Today. I'd imagine the archdiocese received calls/e-mails of outrage/distress
from CL loyalists now spread around the country. The faster the archdiocese
acts, the faster we'll tell everyone what happened, the faster it will go away
. . . Until next season, when we'll have to deal with the fallout (empty gyms,
suspensions for coaches, toned-down student sections; whatever's going to
happen.) Thanks again, Al.)

----

   Ted, the CL championship game was awesome! First, how can you take
the game away from the winners. N-G WON THAT GAME!!!!!!! I think DJ
Rivera is getting a bad rap by the media, for celebrating. Roman's
students could be very hurtful at times. Please consider their
actions as well. Many games that I attended this year I heard
profanity use by coaches, yes that how close I sit. Ted, I feel like
this, this good kid is taking a beat down on this special day, DJ ,
ANTONIO, RICK, EARL, JAMAL and FRANKIE great Game!!!! DJ, good
people sometimes get a bad rap, but great people over come it ALL.
Enjoy the rest of the school year N-G . Ted, I think some of us
forget that they are still teenagers.
-- NS
  (Ted's note: A whole bunch of good people made bad decisions to make
this all happen. Truly bad kids don't last long in Catholic schools, no matter
how much their tuition money is needed. At least I hope we haven't reached
that point . . . )

----

First off congratulations to Neumann and Roman for great seasons, and the
championship game was an incredible event to attend. It is a shame the
celebration and the great game had to be ruined by the incident that
happened afterward, and it would be even worse if Neumann was stripped
from its title. As a former Catholic League Basketball player, one
thing you learn is that heckling, taunting, and trash talking is a part
of the game. You know that if you were on the streets, these kids would
not be yelling and saying absurd things to you, but since you are on the
court and they know you can not do anything about it, they continue to
trash you and try and get in your head. So as a player, it can get
really frustrating at times, but you learn to deal with. So when Rivera
hit that 3, I don't blame him for running over and taunting the fans and
celebrating the win in front of them, considering they had been
taunting him all game. I think its ridiculous for Rivera to take the
heat for the whole incident. Roman fans can dish out it out all game,
but when one player dishes it back for not even 1 minute, they have to
resort to throwing bottles and other objects. I think its a disgrace
they way the Roman fans acted. Taunting is apart of the game, but
throwing things is just not acceptable. I think the students involved
with throwing the objects should be punished and I think the AD's of the
schools should do a better job controlling their student section. Once
again, congrats to Rivera and the rest of Neumann, its just a shame Neumann
could not have had the proper celebration ceremony of cutting down the
nets.
-Former PCL Player
  (Ted's note: I'm sure at some point N-G will have a special assembly,
or something similar. Let's hope so.)

----

     As i was leaving the game after that beautiful winning shot for
N/g championship; i heard the public address announcer request that all
fans and players to clear the floor.  So , they could conduct the
trophy presentation ceremony.  I heard him make the request several
times as i was going down the stairs. I had no idea that this melee was
taking place until i got to my car to leave the parking lot.  I was the
third car in line from the security booth on the parking lot next to
Gola arena; but we could not go out to olney avenue; because of the
sudden arrival of the police vehicles.  It took about 15 minutes before
any car left that parking lot including me.  There were police vehicles
coming up broad st. From  below the roosevelt expressway and police
vehicles heading east on the roosevelt expressway fron the schulkill
Expressway to the broad st. Exit for lasalle university exit of the
Roosevelt express way.  I  thought some one was fatally injured at the
post game celebration.  Thank god this wasn't so.    Maybe,  if the
students, players,  and adult fans  had listened and honored the public
address announcers requests to clear the floor an award ceremony could
have been conducted and the melee may not have happened.  However, since
it did;  if the individuals from both schools can't be  identified and
punished individually; then i think both schools should hold a general
detention for their students and any adults involved to hear an anger
management lecture from an anger management expert.  This should be
mandatory for continued enrollment in these schools.  I believe the
District attorney's  office offers this to people who are  charged with
disorderly conduct to clear the charge.
-- Pcl fan.

---