Whether or not the events that occurred Friday night at a basketball game in Eldorado was in fact a “riot” as reported by authorities and some fans on Saturday, State athletic officials have found the actions from a series of altercations during the evening serious enough to penalize the Eldorado boys team.

An Eldorado player who punched a Geronimo player during the game was suspended for two games and two Eldorado players who left the bench during the fight were also suspended for a game each. Because of the suspensions, the boys’ team had to forfeit their Saturday night game against Grandfield.

According to Jack E. Breakiron, who officiated the games with Allan Quickle Friday night, fans started getting unruly during the girl’s game. “Several incidents occurred,” Breakiron said, “but the incident which resulted in the unsportsmanlike act, happened in the fourth quarter of the boy’s game with 6:50 remaining in the contest.”

Breakiron said that Geronimo had led the whole contest, leading at one point by 30 points.

“I was the lead official, moving down the court with the lead players, with Allen being the trail official. Geronimo, had gained possession of the ball in back court and # 32 (Cody Night), from Geronimo, was bringing the ball down court, when, I, saw him fall to the floor, right before mid court,” Breakiron said. “ I heard Allan's whistle, and saw his hand start to go up for the foul, when #32 (Cody Night) got to his feet and said something to the Eldorado player, #20 (Kenny Granados), who, I later found out from Allen, had intentionally kicked the feet out from under # 32 (Cody Night).”

Breakiron said that at this point, #12 (Joe Rell Hears), said something to #20 (Kenny Granados). #20 then took an offensive position and threw several punches at #12 the Geronimo player.

“By this time, players from both benches, along with officials, coaches, fans, parents and law enforcement, rushed to the floor to separate players and teams,” Breakiron said.

“I did not hear what was said between players because of crowd noise. The Geronimo coach immediately pulled his players off the floor and stated, that his team was leaving, and that he would never schedule another game with Eldorado.”

Breakiron and Allan decided that the contest needed to end.

During the Eldorado girls’ game, Breakiron said that several of the Eldorado fans were unruly and hostile toward the officials.

“The game started off with rough play by both teams,” Breakiron said. “We as officials, immediately called fouls to correct the situation. During the contest negative comments were made by fans from both teams toward the officials regarding calls. Most of the comments were made by the Eldorado fans, stating that the fouls being called against their players were not justified, that the other team was doing all the fouling. That was not true,” he said. “We called at least 20 to 25 fouls on each team during the game.”

Breakiron said that during one incident involving an Eldorado fan,he was the lead official, when an out of control Eldorado player, trying to dribble through two defenders, lost control of the ball, it went off her foot out of bounds, giving possession to Geronimo.

“Eldorado fans were screaming for a foul, which never occurred. As, I was trailing the Geronimo player down court along th Eldorado side line, an Eldorado fan, who had made negative comments every time we passed by jumped up, and in a loud and boisterous voice made negative comments about our ability to officiate. At this point, I felt that the fan was displaying hostile, disruptive behavior and inciting disruptive fan conduct.”

That was when Breakiron stopped play and summoned the Eldorado School Superintendent, and requested that the fan be removed. Breakiron said that the superintendent told him that he would move the fan, but the officials needed to get the game under control. Breakiron said to that he replied, “We were controlling the game - he needed to assist in controlling the fans.”

Later in the contest, Breakiron said that the Eldorado town deputy sheriff ran on the edge of the court and questioned a call against Eldorado. He was removed from the area by the superintendent.

As the game progressed, the town marshal and four Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers arrived at the gym after the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department received a call from an Eldorado police officer saying he needed help in controlling the crowd.

Geronimo was still awaiting word from the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association today whether or not any of their players would be punished in connection with Friday’s incident.