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The Islandian Times
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Commissioner Suspends Brawling Stars From Playoffs
In an unprecedented decision IPA commissioner John Banford has suspended pitcher Gino Carmazzo of Denton City and outfielder Tony Blundell of Red Bluff for the rest of the postseason. The two stars initiated an all-out brawl in yesterday's game between the two teams at Red Bluff Park.
Banford stated in his ruling, "This was flagrant behavior by both players and by both teams and dire action was needed. The league will not tolerate this type of despicable behavior. I levied a very severe penalty because of this. I should have suspended 10 players on each team, but this would serious effect the playoffs. I chose not to do that. I think both organizations got my pointed message and will make certain there is no recurrence of this type of discord on the playing field. I also warned all other playoff teams that I will be even more severe in dealing with any further outbreaks of fighting or mass brawling at any of the remaining games."
Denton City manager Ford Whiteman protested the ruling and said the Redbirds would appeal it. "This creates an uneven playing field for the rest of the playoffs. The Redbirds will have to play without one of our top players. The loss of Carmazzo is devastating. I think heavy fines would have been a better solution. I strongly disagree with the commissioner. I think he grossly over-reacted."
Carmazzo was the ace of the Denton City mound staff. During the regular season he recorded 24 wins and 6 losses with a 3.06 ERA.
Blundell batted .283 this season with 91 RBIs and 92 runs scored. He had 162 hits including 24 home runs, 59 walks and .350 OBP. He will be vitally missed by the Red Sox.
Mack Connery of the Red Bluff Red Sox agreed with Whiteman's assessment, but said that "We will not appeal it. Banford has his mind made up and I've never known him to change it in previous dealings with him. The Red Sox will just have to begrudgingly accept this decision."
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