Brawl Erupts During Pennsylvania High School Basketball Playoff Game

MEADVILLE, Pa. — A state playoff basketball game between Uniontown and Meadville high schools descended into chaos Friday night, resulting in charges against seven individuals and both teams being disqualified from further tournament play.

The brawl erupted late in the fourth quarter as tensions between fans escalated. Witnesses reported that the incident began with two adult men exchanging punches in the stands while players remained on the court. Video footage shared online captured the alarming scenes as coaches moved players to their benches.

Meadville City Police have charged Reginald Grooms, 44, and Notorious Grooms, 18, both from Uniontown, along with Malik Wilson, 25, and Joseph Chabot, 37, both from Meadville, with various degrees of disorderly conduct. Two unnamed 16-year-old boys from Meadville were charged with simple assault and harassment, while another 16-year-old from Uniontown faces similar charges.

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) ruled the outcome of the game as a double-forfeit, meaning neither team will advance in this year’s state tournament. “Neither Uniontown nor Meadville will have the opportunity to compete unless specific measures are taken,” said PIAA Executive Director Robert Lombardi.

As reported by witnesses, the primary altercation was triggered by a fan wearing a white jersey, who confronted individuals from the opposing team’s bench. This confrontation escalated quickly, causing players and coaches to intervene. One Meadville player, dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and white pants, even jumped into the stands to join the fight.

Following the incident, police were seen escorting multiple individuals from the gymnasium in handcuffs. “We’ve received reports of several altercations, and charges are imminent,” a spokesperson for the Meadville police stated. The altercations extended onto the court, nearly involving players from both teams.

With only 3:12 left on the clock and Meadville leading 63-55, officials called the game to an end. “The crowd was becoming increasingly hostile, and it was clear we needed to take action,” one official explained.

Lombardi confirmed he reached out to both schools for reports, stating, “I have no further comment until I receive their reports.” The PIAA did not respond at the time to a request for further clarity on the protocols for addressing fan behavior.

Fans and community members in attendance expressed shock at the violence. “I’ve never seen anything this ugly break out in person,” remarked one announcer during the event. “This was really a shame.”

The brawl not only tarnishes the reputation of the teams involved but has broader implications for high school sportsmanship in the region. As both schools grapple with the fallout, observers are left wondering how to prevent such incidents in the future.