Massive brawl between players & spectators erupts at high school basketball game
March Madness usually implies the drama and excitement that accompanies tournament basketball.
Last weekend in Minnesota, a different kind of madness was on display.
As Minneapolis North and Brooklyn Center high schools wrapped up their game, a skirmish between a handful of players soon spilled over into a brawl involving dozens of spectators.
According to police, the fight broke out right after the game ended at St. Cloud State University. Players and fans were involved.
After the altercation began between players, it spread toward the stands and fans became involved as well.
Witness Peter Hannig said he started recording the incident on his phone about 30 seconds after it started. It went on for about three to four minutes, he said.
“It was definitely a scary incident and we were all shaken up by it,” Hannig told KSTP. “We were being told to leave the building over the public address system, but we were a little too uneasy about doing that because with it that bad inside, along with all the police officers and security guards, we were worried about what might be happening outside.”
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About 12 St. Cloud police officers answered the call for help that came in around 9:45 p.m.
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Officers dispersed the crowd and escorted the teams to their buses.
The good news is there were no injuries, weapons or arrests reported.
The fight is under investigation by the St. Cloud Police Department, both schools and the Minnesota State High School League.
Minnesota State High School League spokesperson Tim Leighton issued a statement the day after the incident.
“The League Office is aware of this unfortunate situation and is gathering information from the two schools, Region 5A, St. Cloud State University staff and law enforcement in St. Cloud,” Leighton said. “Once we have this information, we will work with League staff and the two schools in addressing the situation.”
Brooklyn Center won the game 81-76.
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