Suspension: MHC LETH Basketball-Joint Ruling

2022-23 Season

February 27, 2023 

Facts:

On February 18, 2023, Lakeland’s N. Simpson (#23) was ejected for pushing a Lethbridge opponent in the back following a post-whistle scuffle, which was escalated by C. Thomson (#13) of Lethbridge throwing a punch at a Lakeland player. Mr. Thomson’s actions were evidently not witnessed by the officials so he was not penalized.

The circumstances here are unique in that both Athletic Directors directly approached me and asked that I review video footage of the incident.

The video footage has also been reviewed by the ABOA Referee Assignor, who is acting as a senior ABOA Official in offering his assessment of the incident.

Ruling:

In the case of Mr. Simpson of Lakeland, I see no basis upon which to interfere with the referee’s discretion to issue an ejection.

The ABOA Assignor was of the view that the actions of Mr. Thomson of Lethbridge warranted an ejection, had they been observed by the game officials. I agree with that view. Under the circumstances, the game records are to be revised to record an ejection to Mr. Thomson.

Although the ABOA Assignor was of the view that a number of other calls could have been made by game officials as a result of this incident, it is debatable whether any of the potential calls might have warranted an ejection and I choose not to interfere with the discretion of the game officials any further than I already have.

The automatic one (1) game suspensions to Mr. Simpson and Mr. Thomson are to be served during their respective first games of the 2022-23 ACAC Men’s Basketball Championships.

Sincerely,

Bill Hendsbee 
ACAC Commissioner