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Nasty physical fight erupts @ opening night of ‘Town League’

-Fight forced game to end in forfeiture; Caused embarrassment to Federation League on first night
A number of players and spectators were engaged in a brawl during a basketball game at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on June 10, 2017. Photo: VINO
The brawl at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town on June 10, 2017 reportedly started between a player from the Latino team, Ruben O. Reyes (in photo) who had just been given a Technical Foul and ejected from the game, and a member of the public. Photo: Facebook
The brawl at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town on June 10, 2017 reportedly started between a player from the Latino team, Ruben O. Reyes (in photo) who had just been given a Technical Foul and ejected from the game, and a member of the public. Photo: Facebook
The fight reportedly started between a player from the Latino team, who had just been given a Technical Foul and ejected from the game, and a member of the crowd. Photo: VINO
The fight reportedly started between a player from the Latino team, who had just been given a Technical Foul and ejected from the game, and a member of the crowd. Photo: VINO
At the time of the disruption, Mystics were leading Latinos 27-14 with 9:33 minutes on the board for the second period. Photo: VINO
At the time of the disruption, Mystics were leading Latinos 27-14 with 9:33 minutes on the board for the second period. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – A mass physical fight erupted in the second game of a double header at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town on Saturday June 10, 2017.

The brawl brought the opening night of the BVI Basketball Federation (BVIBF) 2017 League to a disgraceful and premature end.

At the time of the disruption, Mystics from Virgin Gorda were leading Latinos from Long Bush, Tortola 27-14 with 9:33 minutes on the clock for the second period.

The fight reportedly started between a player from the Latino team, Ruben O. Reyes who had just been given a Technical Foul and ejected from the game, and a member of the public. The fight then spilled over to a mass brawl involving both players and fans.

Reyes now ban for life from Town League

The player, Mr Reyes, and spectators had exchanged some words after which Mr Reyes slapped a fan, according to eyewitnesses. Shortly after the fight broke out, involving dozens more spectators and team members. There were about three fights for the night over the same incident, as is now being circulated on social network.

Police were also called in as there were threats being made by some fans.

The Referees had no choice but to abandon the game, giving it to Virgin Gorda’s Mystics.

Federation Officials, concerned as to the damage done to the reputation of the game, did not speak to the media immediately after the incident. However, Vice President of the BVI Basketball Federation, Keith ‘88’ Malone, speaking exclusively to our newsroom this morning June 11, 2017, said “that kind of behaviour will not be accepted and that player from the Latino team will be banned from the Federation League for life”.

Mr Malone warned that “a strong message will be sent to each team in the effect that any player bringing negative attitude to the sports or fans will be faced with similar actions, as zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour is in effect".

Games continue tonight

It is our newsroom’s understanding that Mr Reyes is currently under a three year suspension from the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League for unsportsmanlike behaviour. His suspension is expected to end in 2018.

It is not clear how his life ban from the Federation League will affect his return to the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League, as Officials from that organisation could not be reached for comments.

Play in the Federation League is expected to continue tonight June 11, 2017 from 6:00 PM with 2 games, Mavs vs Jr Stars and Legs vs Future.

17 Responses to “Nasty physical fight erupts @ opening night of ‘Town League’”

  • Fan (11/06/2017, 13:35) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    SMH look what basketball has come too
  • Just saying.... (11/06/2017, 13:39) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    What!! you mean on the dam first night? the Town league can’t be serious!!!! What kinda of animal behavior is this may bouy?
  • Valley Virgin Gorda (11/06/2017, 13:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    BITE ME!!!
  • Yes (11/06/2017, 13:59) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    If I was there, I'd record the brawl better
  • belonger (11/06/2017, 14:27) Like (10) Dislike (9) Reply
    How is it that the player is banned for life from the league without​ a proper and investigation into the matter or not even giving him a hearing. And deal with him appropriately.
  • ..... (11/06/2017, 14:30) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
    Deport him
  • HAHA (11/06/2017, 14:37) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    That boy is a stone punk!
  • Concerned (11/06/2017, 15:35) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    He Needs anger management counseling.
  • Jack B.. (11/06/2017, 15:52) Like (8) Dislike (15) Reply
    Ban for life is not the solution... Is he a good player. How old is he? I think. What punishment does the federation prescribed for fighting. What's the process to arrive at that punishment...? How and why did the fans get involved. What's the rules and process to punish and control fans? Really need a proper investigation.. Injustice at times on fuel people anger...
  • my 2 cents (11/06/2017, 18:08) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    the town league needs a committee to run it
  • wize up (11/06/2017, 18:48) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Young blood try cool down: my goodness our forefathers works hard and you guys destroying everything: others come to BVI and live in love and harmoney while our own folks fussing; fighting and killing each other: young blood your mothers and fathers are grieving(my goodness you are the future of this territory) we need a peace treaty.....
  • Welsah (12/06/2017, 01:29) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    That Ruben dude looking attention , hmm NOT good .
  • Disgusted (12/06/2017, 08:04) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    That Rueben dude always in some fight on any basketball court, down Save the seed he fight off Moth man and cant play there no more. If he do not chill out he going get mash up. dude need to simmer down. You can't even enjoy a good basketball game no more, nowhere without a fight break out. Cripes man,


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