WORCESTER, Mass. — Three Massachusetts Pirates football players and a coach have been suspended after they were involved in a melee in the stands during a recent game.
Leon O’Neal, Chris Ingram, Charles Williams, and coach Patrick Pass climbed into the crowd as the Worcester-based Pirates played in Phoenix against the Arizona Rattlers on Sunday, according to Indoor Football League Commissioner Todd Tryon.
“Under zero circumstance can you ever go beyond the wall and into the stands,” Tryon said. What was a very exciting game was marred by the actions of a few. These actions will never be tolerated and are being fully dealt with.”
After reviewing all available footage as well as reviewing the officials’ report, all four individuals involved in the incident were “substantially” fined and suspended.
AZCentral.com reported that O’Neal felt provoked by something he heard from the crowd, prompting him to jump into the stands. The others then followed after him and at least one fan was shoved.
In a statement, Pirates Founder and Co-Owner Jawad Yatim said, “First and foremost we do not condone the behavior and the events that occurred Sunday between our organization, the Rattlers, and their fan base. I want to sincerely apologize on behalf of the Pirates to all those affected...There was certainly a massive lapse of judgement but their stories and journeys are not over and they can always lean on us for assistance, we don’t turn our back on family. The league and our organization have dealt out punishments for Sunday’s incident and we’ve made it very clear to our players and staff how unacceptable that behavior is, even if provoked. We have to be above it all and will be.”
Order was ultimately restored in the game and the Rattlers went on to win, 52-43.
Patrick Pass played for the New England Patriots from 2000-2007, winning three Super Bowls during that time.
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