Fight breaks out at basketball game

New London - An Uncasville man was charged with assault Thursday night after police responded to New London High School for a fight between the New London and Griswold junior varsity boys' basketball teams.

The game was halted and not resumed. The varsity game was played only after both teams' varsity and JV players gathered in the lecture hall for a discussion with the coaches, athletic directors and principals from the two schools.

Deputy Chief Marshall Segar said the incident began when a dispute between a New London player and a Griswold player became physical. The two players were quickly separated by coaches and staff.

"It was at that point that a Griswold High School supporter left the stands and began to assault a New London High School player," Segar said in a press release, referring to Robert Crawford, 64, of 10 Looking Glass Circle, Montville.

"Crawford is not a student nor is he affiliated with either school in any way. (He) was subdued by event staff, but continued to be argumentative and fought with police while being arrested. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was released on a $2,500.00 non-surety bond."

Segar said police obtained a video recording of the incident through which a police lieutenant was able to confirm witness accounts.

Crawford was charged with third-degree assault, risk of injury or impairing the morals of a minor and interfering with a police officer.

The Griswold High School player who was involved in the original on-court disturbance is 17. He was charged with breach of peace and released to his parents.

The New London player, also a juvenile, was charged with two counts of third-degree assault to a relative.

New London High School principal Tommy Thompson said administrators used the incident as a learning tool, noting that uninvolved players showed great restraint.

"Players on both teams had the opportunity to get involved in a negative way," he said. But they didn't. They remained on their respective benches for the most part, and only went out to pull people away."

He said the players, both varsity and JV, saw the administrators from both schools standing in a united front as they gathered the players in the lecture hall.

"We told them that their actions reflect on the schools, the towns, and most importantly, on themselves," he said. "You could tell by the look in their eyes that they understood and got the message we were sending."

Thompson said both principals would be taking action.

Segar said he would like to see any other video recordings of the flare-up as well as obtain statements from other witnesses' accounts as the investigation remains open.

Segar asks anyone with video of the disturbance or who was present and would like to speak with the police about the event, call Capt. Steven Crowley, commander of the department's Uniformed Services Division at (860)-447-6373.

c.potter@theday.com