Basketbrawl In Newark: HS Girls Teams, Spectators Have Massive Melee, Reports Say

Newark, NJ – A massive melee erupted between the American History High School of Newark and Roselle High School girls basketball teams during their Feb. 9 game at the JFK Recreation Center in Newark, ending with a bench-clearing brawl and spectators swarming the court.

The fight allegedly began in the second quarter when an American History player punched a Roselle player after being fouled, NJ.com reported.

Within moments the entire gym had exploded in a frenzy of activity, with some spectators rushing the court and attacking Roselle players, NJ.com stated.

Emergency responders transported at least six Roselle players to local hospitals to treat injuries that included a concussion, fractured finger, leg sprain, body bruises and head trauma, a Roselle parent told NJ.com.

Newark Public Schools press secretary Dreena Whitfield stated that American History High’s girls basketball season has been suspended and the team will remain on probation next year.

Newark police are reportedly conducting an investigation into the incident.

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File photo of the JFK Recreation Center via www.nj.gov