Massachusetts High School Lacrosse Team Forfeits Playoff Game After Cigar Photo; Parents Dispute Whether Cigars Were Real
Ipswich High School's boys lacrosse team forfeited its state semifinal game after players posed with cigars in a post-graduation photo, violating Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association tobacco rules. Parents of disciplined players claim the cigars were fake, with at least one parent providing evidence to the school that the items contained no tobacco. The dispute highlights disagreement over whether the punishment was proportionate to the alleged violation.
Ipswich High School forfeited its Division 4 state semifinal lacrosse game after eight players were photographed with cigars following graduation. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association prohibits tobacco use, leading school administrators to disqualify several players from the scheduled matchup against Cohasset. However, parents of the disciplined students claim the cigars were not real tobacco products. One parent, John Gianakakis, stated he helped create fake cigars using painters' tape and alternative materials like banana leaves and chamomile, and allegedly provided the school principal with evidence including a fake cigar and a receipt. Gianakakis claimed the principal initially cleared the students to play after verifying the cigars were fake, but the superintendent's office requested further investigation. The school ultimately barred the athletes from competition by 10 a.m. on game day, forcing the team to forfeit due to insufficient eligible players. Parents expressed frustration over the severity of the punishment and questioned the school's decision-making process.
What's missing
The school administration's official statement regarding the investigation into whether the cigars were real or fake, and the superintendent's rationale for the final decision to uphold the disqualifications despite the principal's alleged initial clearance.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Massachusetts high school lacrosse team forfeits playoff game over cigar photo — but parents claim they were fake
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