THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 10, 1996 TAG: 9605100478
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
A police investigation into alleged point shaving and fixing of high school basketball games ended Thursday with no criminal charges being filed.
Rumors of a fix surfaced after Green Run upset unbeaten Maury in an Eastern Region playoff game 69-57 in double overtime on Feb. 27. Norfolk Public Schools launched the investigation before passing it on to police.
``The Criminal Intelligence Unit of the police department conducted interviews with principals, coaches, current and former players and students,'' Superintendent Roy D. Nichols Jr. said. ``In addition, over a dozen game films involving area high school games were reviewed. According to their report, there is insufficient evidence to support any of the allegations with criminal charges.''
Maury coach Jack Baker was pleased with the findings.
``This has been a difficult time for our players and our program,'' Baker said. ``The integrity of the program, hopefully, is back to where it should be.''
While no criminal charges were brought, the investigation did produce evidence of gambling activity in the stands. This included fans betting on free throws and 3-pointers as well as the outcome of games.
``We found many of our athletes live in neighborhoods where they come in contact with gamblers,'' Nichols said. ``There was no quid pro quo offered. But some basketball players participated in (recreation) tournaments where trophies were given out by people in the neighborhood who were involved in gambling activities.
``Some players also received shoes from people who were alleged to be gamblers.''
Nichols outlined a series of measures that Norfolk Schools will take to reduce gambling activity at games. Among them:
Taping activity in the stands when play is stopped on the floor to search for behaviors associated with gambling.
Announcing before games that gambling is illegal.
Approaching and warning anyone who appears to be gambling that gambling is illegal.
Holding workshops for coaches on how to identify gambling and its associated behaviors.
Having coaches warn players that gambling is a criminal activity and can damage their careers. Also having coaches pay close attention to whom their players hang out with.
``This is a national problem,'' Nichols said. ``I've talked to superintendents from other systems who say they have gambling in the stands. But they haven't had allegations of fixing.''
Maury principal Michael C. Spencer, who instigated the investigation, said he was relieved that it was over and supported Nichols' call for increased vigilance.
``I think a legitimate concern was raised,'' Spencer said, ``and I credit the superintendent for taking it head-on.''
Nichols said he was surprised to learn of the amount of gambling going on in the stands, but he called the allegations of fixing ``a fantastic story.''
``What I really think happened,'' he said, ``is that Maury lost a game it expected to win. There had to be a reason, and the kids came up with this fantastic story.'' ILLUSTRATION: BETH BERGMAN
The Virginian-Pilot
Norfolk Police Chief Melvin High, right, and Norfolk Public Schools
Superintendent Roy D. Nichols Jr. spoke to athletic directors
Thursday. In their investigation, the police conducted interviews
and reviewed more than a dozen game films, Nichols said.
KEYWORDS: HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS INVESTIGATION GAMBLING GAME FIXING
POINT-SHAVING by CNB