The Arkansas Activities Association has announced disciplinary action following Saturday’s brawl at the conclusion of the Class 2A boys basketball semifinal between England and Barton at the state tournament in Poyen.
According to a statement released by the AAA, seven members of the England basketball team were ejected following an extensive review of video and other evidence from the altercation.
Five Barton players were also ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct and will be ineligible to compete in the upcoming Class 2A state championship game under AAA regulations.
The fight broke out immediately after Barton’s 52-51 victory over England in the semifinal matchup, with authorities describing the scene as involving a large crowd of student-athletes and fans from both schools.
Deputies with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office responded alongside the Arkansas State Police, Sheridan Police Department and other assisting agencies to bring the situation under control.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has since opened a criminal investigation into the incident and said criminal charges will be pursued against individuals involved. The investigation remains ongoing.
AAA Executive Director Lance Taylor said the organization reviewed the incident from multiple camera angles in determining which individuals were involved.
“What happened at the end of the contest between Barton and England was unacceptable and does not reflect the values of education-based athletics,” Taylor said in the statement. “We have gone through every second of the incident, from multiple angles, to identify any student-athlete, school personnel and community members involved in the altercation. Any team member who engaged in an unsportsmanlike act, or instigated an unsportsmanlike act, has been ejected.”
The AAA said its investigation remains open and additional disciplinary action could occur if new evidence becomes available.
The organization also confirmed it will cooperate fully with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office as the criminal investigation moves forward.
“There have been plenty of comments made about the negative, but there were numerous individuals from both Barton and England who tried to do the right thing,” Taylor said.
Saturday’s incident has brought renewed attention to the England School District and its athletic programs, which have been involved in several altercations across multiple sports during the current school year.
The repeated incidents have raised concerns among coaches and administrators around the state about sportsmanship and discipline within the district’s athletic programs.
The investigation into the brawl remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released the names of any individuals who may face criminal charges.
