The Missouri Valley Conference, in conjunction with the NCAA and the baseball rule book, has determined that both the Illinois State and Indiana State baseball teams were equally responsible for the game two brawl in Saturdays doubleheader and have ruled the contest a double forfeit.
This is really unfortunate for our team, said Doug Dowdy, assistant athletic director for internal operations at Illinois State. Our guys were playing some of their best baseball of the season this weekend, however, this institution is supportive of any ruling or regulation that attempts to limit the number of participants involved in an altercation of this nature.
This will not lessen our resolve to continue to play together and work together to be a better baseball team as we were today, continued Dowdy.
The NCAA 2003 Rules book states that if both teams are equally at fault and the situation is so out of control that the contest cannot be safely continued, a double forfeit shall be called.
This is very disappointing, said Illinois State head coach Jim Brownlee. Life isnt always fair, but our guys just need to regroup and move on from here.
Two players from both teams will sit out Sundays 1 p.m. game serving a one-game suspension for their involvement in the brawl. However, the Missouri Valley Conference will not release the names of the suspended players.
