Mira Costa and Leuzinger brawl, then finish game -- how stupid

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Wow, the Stupid-O-Meter was just freaking out. Here’s why...

Last night a punch was thrown. A brawl ensued. And the boys’ basketball game between Mira Costa and Leuzinger stalled out for a half hour as officials squelched the on-court melee and forced all spectators out of the gymnasium.

And this is where the evening got mind-numbingly stupid -- the kids finished up the game. Yes, in front of zero fans. So soon after right hooks were thrown, hook shoots were tossed.

Seems like all the decision-making adults -- like the two coaches, the referees, the Mira Costa principal and athletic director -- thought it was responsible to conclude the game. Dumb, dumb, dumb... DUMB!

Calls are out to some of those involved, but I don’t expect them to be returned.

Why even have a zero-tolerance policy on violence if teams can fight, then play a game? Why wasn’t there an immediate cancellation of the game after the fight? Why can’t both teams suffer a loss if a brawl erupts? And why do we continue to overvalue an inconsequential game rather than sending a non-negotiable message to children: ‘No violence ever.’

Oh, by the way, Mira Costa won. Who cares.

-- Anthony Stitt

-- Image from www.youthoutloudforchange.org