Price to Challenge Suspension Today

SAN DIEGO —  Jerome Price, a standout basketball player for University City High who was declared ineligible for the remainder of the season, plans to challenge his suspension in a hearing today at the San Diego Superior Court.

Price was declared ineligible Feb. 3 by San Diego Section Commissioner Kendall Webb following Price’s participation in the Gus Macker three-on-three basketball tournament in San Diego.

According to Webb, Price, one of six players to lose eligibility for playing in the tournament, violated California Interscholastic Federation Rule 600, which states: “A student on a high school team becomes ineligible if the student competes in a contest on an ‘outside’ team, in the same sport, during the student’s high school season of sport.”

“From the CIF viewpoint, it’s very clear that a violation has taken place,” said Webb Monday, adding that this is the first time he has been challenged on a decision involving “Rule 600” during his 13 years as the San Diego Section commissioner.

Price’s attorney, Tim MacNeil, said the rule needs to be more clearly defined, and the three-on-three style of basketball played in the Gus Macker Tournament is “entirely different” from full-court high school basketball.

“I think it’s much ado about nothing,” MacNeil said. “Even if (Price) did play in this tournament, what’s the harm? I think the CIF has always drawn a hard line. (The decision) seems unduly harsh to me.”

John E. Mortimer, who will represent the CIF, said Monday that he had no comment.

Price, a 6-foot junior guard/forward averaging nearly 16 points a game, was the dominant offensive player on the team. University City (15-8, 5-3) is currently a game out of first place in the City Western League but has lost two of three games since Price’s suspension. Tom Medigovich, University City’s coach, said he encouraged Price to take action because he felt it was unfair.

“I think it’s a ridiculous ruling,” Medigovich said. “It’s like giving the death penalty to someone who steals gum out of a store. I think (Webb) is not in it for the kids, making a decision like that.”