THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, March 5, 1996 TAG: 9603050359
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Police are investigating the possibility that the outcome of a high school basketball playoff game last week was fixed, Chief Melvin C. High said Monday.
The game, between top-ranked Maury and No. 3 Green Run on Feb. 27 at Maury, was an Eastern Region quarterfinal. Maury was 23-0 entering the game but lost 69-57 in double overtime to end its season.
High said this is the first instance of a possible fix his department has investigated.
``I've had some conversations with the superintendent (Dr. Roy D. Nichols Jr.) about some concerns he had in reference to a basketball game,'' High said. ``I don't know how serious it is or if there is anything to it.''
Accepting a bribe with the intent to lose a game or limit the margin of victory is a felony punishable by one to 10 years in jail.
``The superintendent talked to the police chief about it and the matter has been turned over to the police,'' school spokesman George Raiss said Monday.
``The thought of this occurring at a high school basketball contest was absolutely incredible to me,'' Nichols said.
The investigation is believed to center around one Maury player. Maury coach Jack Baker declined comment. MEMO: Staff writer Jon Glass contributed to this report.
by CNB