USBL Awards Steelheads Two Forfeit Victories at Jackson
April 30, 2007 - United States Basketball League (USBL)
Gary Steelheads News Release
GARY, Indiana (4/30/2007) - The United States Basketball League awarded two forfeit victories to the Gary Steelheads for games scheduled against the Jackson Wildcats that were to have been played Monday and Tuesday night. The Wildcats, despite specific promises to the contrary, did not provide suitable facilities and conditions for playing the game.
The Steelheads and the USBL had been informed that the Wildcats had reached an agreement with nearby Tougaloo College, an NAIA school, to host the two games. It was also presumed that the school would provide public relations and statistical assistance to the franchise.
However, on Monday afternoon Tougaloo Sports Information Director Markeshia Jiles told Steelheads' media/public relations that she was unaware of any game being played at the school's Owens Health and Wellness Center Monday night. Steelheads coach Cliff Levingston verified with other athletic officials that there was no agreement with the school regarding hosting the game.
Wildcats' coach Wallace Bryant invited the Steelheads to play the game at the Mississippi Basketball Academy, where Bryant is employed. However, upon arrival at the site, it was determined that the Academy could not provide EMT services, a trainer, public relations or statistical support. When informed of this fact, USBL Operations Director Ed Krinsky declared two forfeit victories for the Steelheads, improving the team's record to a league-best 7-1.
The USBL's decision was a culmination of efforts by the Steelheads extending over nearly a week to establish communications with the Wildcats and determine the suitability of conditions there for USBL play. The team has no local office in the Jackson area, and numerous calls to team owner Carlos Moore went unanswered.
The Wildcats had to cancel their home opener when they allegedly failed to meet the terms of an arena lease. Fans were not informed. Nor was the media, which learned about the cancellation when they showed up to cover the game. The team has failed to file a suitable box score with the league for all of its home games to date, a fact that has been a particular source of irritation to the USBL.
Steelheads' media/public relations made a significant effort to find out if the Wildcats would be able to provide box scores and other game information for the two games. But hours of long distance calls yielded no definitive results. Northwest Indiana media were then advised that media services from the site were uncertain, including an official box score.
Late Monday afternoon, conversations were held with Steelheads President Jewell Harris Jr. and VP/General Manager Kevin Spudic. Based on those conversations, the Gary Steelheads were prepared to lodge a formal complaint with the USBL Office Tuesday morning. However, in light of the USBL forfeit decision and the rumored expulsion of the Wildcats from the league, no complaint will be forthcoming.
The Steelheads will return home Tuesday before resuming their seven-game road trip at Albany on May 3rd. Portions of the USBL schedule will be revised by the league office.
United States Basketball League Stories from April 30, 2007
- USBL Awards Steelheads Two Forfeit Victories at Jackson - Gary Steelheads
- Patroons Add Two, Drop Three - Albany Patroons
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