Hanford coach on admin leave, basketball players suspended after game erupts into brawl
A Hanford High School boys varsity basketball coach has been placed on paid administrative leave and several players from both teams have been suspended from playing after a Tuesday night match at Pasco High School erupted into a fight.
Pasco School District confirmed that three Pasco players have been suspended. Richland School District said “several students” at Hanford had been suspended for one or more games “based on their actions.”
One athlete was injured so badly that he went to the hospital with a broken back, parents said.
“Student safety, whether for our own students or those from a neighboring district, is always our highest priority. Actions taken by a member of the Hanford basketball coaching staff that do not reflect our commitment to safety are not tolerated. That coach has been placed on administrative leave while we continue our investigation,” Richland School District wrote in a letter to families.
“We also hold our spectators to the same high standards for sportsmanship. Abusive verbal or physical conduct directed at participants, officials, staff members, sponsors, or other spectators will not be tolerated,” the letter continued.
Both schools are implementing safety measures for their final games, which includes attendance of school administrators, police and more security.
“Participation in athletic events is a privilege, and we expect all attendees to contribute to an environment that is safe, respectful, and reflective of the core values of integrity, respect, and sportsmanship,” Richland’s letter read.
The physical altercation has been widely discussed and rumored in the Tri-Cities in recent days. The Pasco Police Department, two school districts and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association are collaborating on an investigation into the matter.
The incident involved both students and adults, and took place at Pasco High School during senior night.
One video circulating online shows Pasco and Hanford players exchanging punches on the basketball floor after a Bulldog player appeared to be shoved from behind while taking a shot at the basket during the game. Another appears to show multiple students after the game fighting in the gym with several people attempting to break it up.
A Pasco city councilman said Wednesday he was told a racial slur may have been involved in the incident.
Irving Brown Sr., chapter president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Tri-Cities chapter, met to discuss the incident shortly before Thursday night’s Bulldogs game against the Chiawana Riverhawks.
Brown stopped short of saying the fight was racially motivated, but said he felt the incident was indicative of broader systemic tensions between the two schools.
“This is a community that needs to come together and make some changes,” he said.
Brown says it was “good” to hear that the Hanford coach was placed on administrative leave, and says there’s probably more staff who should face disciplinary repercussion.
Prior to 7 p.m. tip-off, both Chiawana’s and Pasco’s principals stood together and read a statement of sportsmanship and community support.
Pasco police investigators posted on Facebook that they are asking for the community’s help in gathering video or photos of the fight to help with their investigation.
Other commenters have denounced the actions of those involved and the unsportsmanlike conduct of those involved.
“At Pasco School District, we expect all students, staff, families, and spectators to demonstrate good sportsmanship, respect, and positive behavior at all school events. Athletic competitions should foster teamwork and school pride and there is no place for violence or inappropriate conduct from anyone in attendance,” the Pasco district said in a Wednesday letter to families.
Sean Bessette, director of communications for WIAA, said in a statement that their agency is aware of the fight.
“The association is not aware of any reported unacceptable language, but final reports have yet to be received. Our office remains focused on working with the involved schools,” he said.
This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 2:40 PM.
