Middletown Basketball Coaches Suspended For CIAC Violations

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Middletown High School high School boys and girls basketball coaches have been suspended four games each for what authorities are terming off-season Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference violations.

The four games for boys coach Eric Holley and girls coach Rob Smernoff represent the maximin penalty, equal to 20 percent of the schedule.

In a Monday letter to the school community, Middletown Superintendent of Schools Alberto Vázquez Matos said the school system was not only cooperative with CIAC officials, but conducted its own investigation.

"Middletown Public Schools and its athletic department stand committed to creating inclusive
spaces where all students are provided with opportunities to build lifelong skills. Our athletic
programming is designed to cultivate students' interests, develop young leaders, and create pathways that stretch far beyond MPS," MPS is a member of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. As such, we are required to abide by CIAC’s rules and regulations. When an infraction is reported, an investigation is required. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences to the district."

Matos said school system officials became aware of potential violations to the CIAC's rules and regulations on Oct. 31. He said he then formed a group to conduct "a fact-finding investigation."

"This group determined that there were violations to the CIAC's out-of-season bylaws within our girls and boys basketball programs," Matos said. "Actions were immediately taken by MPS to ensure that we continue to provide high-integrity programming for our student-athletes."

Matos said the school system then self-reported the findings to the CIAC.

The CIAC’s Board of Control met on Dec. 7, 2023 and determined "additional actions," he said.

They include:

• Fines of $500 each for the programs
• A year's probation for both programs
• The suspensions

"We fully accept these rulings, which address these ethical violations," Matos said. "Additionally, our coaches have publicly stated regret for not adhering to State and District policies and regulations. It is imperative that we abide by not only the CIAC’s rules, regulations, and ethical practices, but also our district’s. This ensures that our student-athletes have the most enriching and edifying experience possible."