Springfield City School District Superintendent David Estrop held a press conference to announce that six players on the Springfield High School boys varsity basketball team allegedly stole athletic gear from the Xavier University locker room.
Estrop explained that Xavier officials noticed missing athletic practice clothing from the men's locker room shortly after Springfield played two tournament games at the school's Cintas Center. Video surveillance implicated the accused athletes. Estrop stated that the students will be punished, but will be spared criminal prosecution because Xavier has decided not to press charges.
"The administration at Springfield High School will be recommending a 10-day suspension from school upon return from Spring break. That is the maximum allowed by law," he said.
The students will also be banned from extracurricular activities and the prom, and will have to attend the alternative Keifer Academy for the rest of the school year. Suspended seniors will be allowed to participate in graduation and juniors will be eligible to participate in sports next year.
Names of the students were withheld due to student privacy laws. Some members of the team were given a three day suspension because they allegedly knew of the theft but didn't report. Springfield will pay Xavier for any items that cannot be found.