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TSSAA suspends Austin-East, Brainerd basketball teams after fight during game

Austin-East's basketball game at Brainerd in Chattanooga was stopped early due to a fight on Saturday.

UPDATE Jan. 29 at 5:45 p.m.: The boys basketball teams at Austin-East and Brainerd high schools have been suspended indefinitely by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association following a fight at a game on Saturday, according to TSSAA Executive Director Bernard Childress.

A brawl involving fans and players from both schools occurred with 2:20 left before halftime, and the game had to be stopped, Childress said. He said that information came from administrators, coaches, officials and video recordings.

Childress sent a letter to each school Monday announcing the suspension. According to the letter, a TSSAA Basketball Supervisor described the altercation as the "worst he has ever seen in 36 years."

According to TSSAA, a player from Brainerd High School was injured and had to be transported to the hospital.

The letters say the administration of each school must "step up immediately and take responsibility for their spectators, coaches and players."

The TSSAA has asked administration from each school to deal with the incident and report in writing any action they plan to take as soon as possible.

The teams will remain suspended "until this incident is thoroughly investigated and effective administrative action is taken," the letter said.

Austin-East Magnet High School letter from TSSAA by Mark Bergin on Scribd

UPDATE Jan. 29 at 1:35 p.m.: A fight broke out during Austin-East's boys basketball game in Brainerd on Saturday, ending the game early, a Knox County Schools spokesperson confirmed to 10News.

A release from Hamilton County Tennessee Schools said one Brainerd High School student was injured and taken to the hospital. The student was treated for their injuries and has since been released.

"I am disappointed in the actions displayed at tonight's [Saturday's] game," Dr. Zac Brown, interim principal at Brainerd High School, said in a release from Saturday. "We expect both teams and fans to display sportsmanship on and off the court."

Knox County Schools spokesperson Carly Harrington said this in a statement:

"The situation that occurred at the basketball game on Saturday is very unfortunate and not representative of the sportsmanlike conduct that is expected of all our student athletes. District and school officials are conducting an investigation into the altercation and disciplinary action may be taken."

AUSTIN-EAST'S BASKETBALL PROGRAM | Inside the Program: Austin-East

Two players were competing for a loose ball when the fight started, according to tweets from Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter Kelly Smiddie.

Austin-East head coach Marcus Stanton could not immediately be reached for comment.

PREVIOUS STORY Jan. 27: A fight broke out during Austin-East's boys basketball game at Brainerd on Saturday, ending the game early, a Knox County Schools spokesperson confirmed to 10News.

School administrators are looking into the incident.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office confirmed a fight broke out and consisted of parents, students and players. One student was taken to a hospital nearby to be treated for their injuries. The sheriff's office also said the incident is under investigation.

Two players were competing for a loose ball when the fight started, according to tweets from Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter Kelly Smiddie.

Austin-East head coach Marcus Stanton could not immediately be reached for comment.

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