Xavier/Cincinnati Brawl: Should Criminal Charges Be Levied in Sports Fights?

Suspensions have been handed out to both Cincinnati Bearcats and Xavier Musketeers players. The penalties range from missing anywhere from one to six games of the 2011-12 college basketball season.

Cincinnati's Yancy Gates received the most stiff penalty—a six-game suspension. Gates punched Xavier's Kenny Frease in the face, leaving Frease with a laceration below his left eye. Gates also allegedly struck another Xavier player during the fight.

Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters said Monday that he is considering whether or not criminal charges are appropriate in this case.

This incident raises the question: should criminal charges be levied in sports fights?

When do the overly-aggressive actions of an athlete in the heat of a game cross the line and merit a prosecutor's investigation?

Scott Daniels, Esq of Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. states that "athletes who become victims of violent attacks on the playing field should absolutely seek recourse by way of our legal system, especially if they incur an injury that prevents them from playing."

But this is a separate issue. Daniels' assertion is about the individuals involved seeking action against the offenders.

The more important matter is: Should there be a legal exception for what happens on the court, field or rink in the name of sports?

The answer is no.

If something would be considered battery in the stands or parking lot for a fan then it should be for a player wearing a uniform in the context of a game.

There should be no magical line that allows for unlawful behavior of any kind within sports.

If the same incident that happened in the closing seconds of Saturday's game between Xavier and Cincinnati happened in the parking lot, there would be no question about what would take place. The police would be called and arrests would be made.

I don't think that these or other athletes, whether they be college or pro, should be held to a higher legal standard.

But, there is no logical reason why any concession should be made for actions which cross legal lines.