Basketball game disturbance draws police
A disturbance during a basketball game at Uniondale High school on Friday forced the building to be evacuated. Credit: Newsday, 2002/Karen Wiles Stabile
Nassau police officers, including elite Bureau of Special Operations members, responded to a large disturbance involving dozens of people after tensions peaked at a boys high school basketball game between Uniondale and Farmingdale at Uniondale High School Friday night.
A police spokesman said that no one was reported injured in the incident.
Officers evacuated the building, but the game was continued. Uniondale eventually won 54-44.
"The players from both teams handled themselves very well in a tough situation," said Uniondale coach Tom Diana. "No player from either side tried to escalate the situation. The student-athletes from both sides handled themselves with grace and dignity."
Said Farmingdale coach Jim Pastier: "It was an intense game as is, first place on the line. We're battling for a share of conference title, they were looking to stay undefeated. It was a tough battle. Two of the top teams on Long Island going at it."
