The D.C. Public Charter School Athletic Association has canceled its football championship game this week in the aftermath of a fight involving Cesar Chavez and National Collegiate during the semifinal round last weekend.
Cesar Chavez was scheduled to face Richard Wright, which upset PCSAA regular-season champion KIPP (6-3) in the other semifinal game, in Friday's league title game. Richard Wright (4-4) has subsequently been crowned the postseason champion.
The DCSAA ultimately made the decision, in consultation with PCSAA football commissioner Trey Walker of KIPP, to avoid a conflict of interest because Cesar Chavez Athletic Director Ernesto Natera is also serving as the PCSAA’s president.
“There is no room for fighting anywhere in sports, especially in school-based athletics,” DCSAA Executive Director Clark Ray said in a statement. “It is important that we not only set good examples for our student-athletes, but also that we hold them accountable for their actions. They need to understand that when rules are broken, there will be consequences. It is unfortunate that this happened at such an important juncture, but we expect better and will not condone this unacceptable behavior.”
The ruling also means both National Collegiate (6-4) and Cesar Chavez (4-4) will not be permitted to participate in this month’s DCSAA Class A football tournament. Instead, KIPP and Richard Wright will represent the city’s charter league in the event.
Natera insisted coaches from both teams quickly broke up the altercation between players on the field last Saturday. National Collegiate football Coach Malcolm Hilliard did not respond to a message seeking comment.
Last year, Cesar Chavez defeated KIPP to win the inaugural PCSAA football championship.
“It’s unfortunate that it happened, but we’ll have to respect the ruling,” said Natera, who noted the school does have the option to appeal the decision.
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