ALBURGH, Vt. – Spectators are now banned from watching basketball games at a Vermont middle school after a 60-year-old man died after a recent brawl.
As reported by The Associated Press, state troopers were called to the Alburgh Community Education Center on Tuesday, Jan. 31, after reports that a fight broke out during an eighth-grade boys basketball game.
Although the fight ended before the police arrived, one of the alleged participants, Russell Giroux, 60, sought medical attention afterward, it was reported by AP.
Giroux was taken to a local hospital by ambulance and later died. His death is currently under investigation by police and the local state attorney’s office. An autopsy has been performed but the cause of death has not been announced pending further investigation.
In a statement, Grand Isle Supervisory Union administrators noted while the “vast majority” of spectators at local sporting events are respectful, they cannot “ignore the increase in spectator misconduct at school sporting events throughout Vermont, including our gymnasiums.”
While the administrators called the decision to ban spectators “difficult,” they also called on leaders in the state to formally condemn violence at sports events and consider harsher penalties for offenders.
They also noted leaders must determine “how to better structure educational athletic events to ensure all participants, including spectators, support and exhibit the values of teamwork, collaboration, sportsmanship, and health and well-being.”
