Confrontation between fan, CSC Live crew
Near the end of Saturday’s CSC Men’s Basketball game, a spectator left the Chicoine Center stands to confront the CSC Live commentating crew. The altercation, which CSC Live video shows occurring with about two minutes remaining in the second half, then carried past the final buzzer.
The CSC Live video shows the man, believed to a be a family member of a CSC basketball player, crossing the court between the playing surface and the east wall of the Chicoine Center in order to confront Myles Busby, color-commentator for the two-man CSC Live crew working the game from the scorer’s table. According to bystanders, the man verbally accosted Busby in response to Busby’s criticism of a Chadron player.
As the confrontation continued after the game, bystanders (including an Eagle reporter) say additional members of the spectator’s party joined in confronting Busby, and commentator Devin Fulton, courtside.
As the altercation moved from the play-by-play area to the east end of the court, Busby, who had been engaging verbally with his confronters, shoved one fan who had repeatedly assumed a confrontational stance very near Busby, according to bystanders.
The incident carried on for a handful of minutes with Busby eventually leaving the area. As the situation began to de-escalate, members of the disgruntled fan’s party continued to voice their displeasure to CSC Live’s Fulton. Chadron police and CSC security were later seen responding to the incident.
In response to the incident CSC Director of Athletics Joel Smith offered the following statement via email:
“The situation in question was unique and its response by college employees will continue to be reviewed. Existing practices may be modified to ensure the continued safety of spectators, student athletes and employees. Chadron State College, as well as the RMAC and NCAA Division II, is committed to sportsmanship and that will never change. The athletic department received apologies from the individuals involved and considers this situation resolved.
The RMAC sportsmanship statement is read prior to every athletic event and we expect the crowd to abide by it.”
In response to a request for documents pertaining to CSC policies governing spectator behavior at CSC sporting events, both in general and as they pertain to Chicoine Center events, CSC Director of College Relations Alex Helmbrecht referenced only the RMAC sportsmanship code read before each athletic event.
The code reads as followed:
“The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is committed to sportsmanship. We take pride in the conduct of our student-athletes and coaches, and ask that everyone – coaches, athletes and spectators treat opponents and officials with respect. We encourage you to cheer for your favorite team during today’s competition. At the same time, please demonstrate the respect you would like to be shown as visitors on their campus. Unruly, threatening or obscene behavior will not be condoned at today’s game. Thank you for your cooperation and support.”