UH athletic director recovering at home after post-game melee
University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay is said to be working from home today and still in pain after being injured while trying to break up a fight at Sunday’s women’s basketball game.
“Very sore today,” Jay texted to the Star-Advertiser when asked about his condition. “Still experiencing mild to severe back pain. Took a very hard shot,” Jay said.
Meanwhile, UH and West Virginia officials said they are investigating the incident that reportedly resulted when some spectators argued with staff of the West Virginia team during the post-game awards ceremony at the Bank of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine Classic.
UH lost to the Mountaineers, 59-56.
Jay received medical attention on the court at the Stan Sheriff Center where he said he experienced “back spasms.”
“Trying to sleep since last night,” Jay added.
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In a statement issued by UH, Jay said, “We apologize to our fans and our visitors from West Virginia for the unfortunate incident that occurred following our women’s basketball game last night. We’re pleased that no one was seriously injured and we appreciate those who assisted with keeping it from escalating further. We will speak to the parties involved and take the appropriate action to address this particular situation and help avoid future incidents. Until all facts are gathered, we will have no further comment on this matter.”
West Virginia AD Oliver Luck said in a statement, “I have spoken to the University of Hawaii Director of Athletics as well as with our women’s basketball head coach and team administrator. Our team is currently traveling back from Hawaii, and we are in the process of obtaining more facts about the unfortunate incident that took place after the game and prior to the trophy presentation. We will continue to work with the University of Hawaii officials to gather all the facts and bring the situation to a close.”
Jay was scheduled to go to Laramie, Wyo., for Satuday’s UH football game. Asked if he was considered probable, questionable or out for the game, Jay texted, “coaches’ decision.”
